5 Mile Fire

A Community Meeting is scheduled for tonight at the Community Center in Joseph at 6 pm. The public is invited to hear an update on the fires and ask questions.

5 Mile Fire-4,700 acres

The southeast flank of the 5 Mile Fire became very active yesterday and last night. Fire became established in Dunlap Creek and burned aggressively uphill throwing embers across the Hat Point Road.  The spots totaled approximately 1 acre in size.  Two hotshot crews were working to secure those spots last night.  Idaho Power crews grounded the deactivated high voltage transmission lines transecting the area. The operational priority remains to secure the town of Imnaha and keep the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry protected private lands, ranches and homes along the Imnaha River Road. The northern flank near Imnaha and west flank along the river continue to hold.  Firefighters continue to mop-up hot spots to secure those lines and structure protection remains in place.

Today will be a critical operational day to hold this fire.  Firefighters will be assessing if Thorn Ridge is still a viable option for a containment line. A contingency containment line further south will be scouted. If Thorn Ridge is still an option, a burnout operation will occur today.  Timber fallers will begin to fall snags along Hat Point Road. Structure protection efforts will begin at College Creek Guard Station and at Cayuse Flats.