Spruce Lake Fire FIRE UPDATE: Sunday, August 6, 2017 – 9:00 am

Spruce Lake Fire’s eastern spread slows The Spruce Lake Fire is currently 4,668 acres and 9% contained. Growth of the fire stalled yesterday as fire behavior moderated and the fire spread into previously burned areas of the 2016 Bybee Fire and the steeper, sparsely vegetated pumice soils of the caldera. Crews continue to improve and hold firelines on the western part of the fire and to work along the north and south edges confining the fire to a narrow band between natural barriers like creeks and sparse fuels. They are protecting an area where scientifically important whitebark pine trees grow and are monitoring the vicinity of the West Rim Drive for spot fires. Today several firefighters are conducting structure assessments around the Rim Village, Park Headquarters buildings, and access roads in order to identify opportunities to reduce or mitigate future risks. Rim Village and Park Headquarters are under a Level 1 Evacuation Notification to ensure that the employees and visitors are aware of fire activity in the area. Staff are receiving briefings about the fire situation, how to remain informed, and instructions for orderly evacuation, should that become necessary. Park visitors are not at risk due to fire but can be thoughtful about how they would behave if an evacuation became necessary. There is currently no imminent fire danger to visitors, park staff or facilities. Air quality is forecast to be at “Unhealthy” levels in Crater Lake National Park today due to smoke. People in sensitive groups should avoid physical outdoor activity. All people should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside. To view current air quality data from a smoke monitor located at the Park Headquarters go to: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com To see the current view of the Crater Lake from Rim Village go to: www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams The West Rim Drive and several trails are closed until further notice, due to hazardous conditions created by the Blanket Creek Fire and Spruce Lake Fire. Affected trails are: the Pacific Crest Trail, from the south park boundary to Highway 62, and from the intersection of the Dutton Creek Trail north to the North Entrance Road; Union Peak Trail; Stuart Falls Trail; Pumice Flat Trail; Boundary Springs Trail; Bald Crater Loop Trail (the entire loop); Bert Creek Trail; Discovery Point Trail; Lightning Springs Trail; and the Rim Trail, from Discovery Point to North Junction. An area west of the fire on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is also closed. See: www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou. Crater Lake National Park and its concessions remain open and welcome visitors. Alternate routes and activities are available to enjoy the Park.

Firefighters suppress a spotfire near the West Rim Road on August 5

Fire at a Glance Size: 4,668 acres; 9% Contained Location: Mostly inside Crater Lake National Park, west of Crater Lake Cause: Lightning, Natural Personnel: 402 Resources: 4 Type 1 Hotshot Crews 13 Type 2 Crews 12 Engines 8 Water Tenders 1 Dozer 1 Skidgen 5 Falling units Aircraft (shared with Blanket Creek): 3 Type 1 heavy helicopters 2 Type 2 medium helicopters 2 Type 3 light helicopters Closures: A closure of the West Rim Drive, sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and several other trails has occurred within Crater Lake National Park. An area closure is in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Closures will change as needed to protect public safety. Maps are available on Inciweb. A Level 1 Evacuation Notification is in effect for the Rim Village and Park Headquarters.

Fire Information sources: Inciweb Fire Information site: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5450/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIR EINFO/

Contact us: [email protected]

541-560-3359 Northwest Incident Management Team 13

Brian Gales, Incident Commander