Dollar Lake Wild Fire

The past week has us and local citizens concerned about the Dollar Lake Wild Fire burning on the north slope of Mt Hood just a dozen miles east of Crutcher’s Bench.  On Saturday the fire became more active but within the previous perimeter.  However, the smoke is thicker and ash started to fall on us Saturday.  It is the same this Sunday morning.  Below is a picture of the fire posted by Gary Randall on FB.

The USFS is providing updates, at least, once a day.  Here is their latest.

Dollar Lake Fire Update September 11, 2011 at 8:30

   Yesterday afternoon and last night the north flank of the fire moved about a mile to the north. The fire did not cross containment lines in the northwest corner which have been a key focus of efforts to protect the Bull Run watershed and Lolo Pass areas. The fire remains 9 miles from the nearest structures along Lolo Pass Road and 2 to 3 miles from the Bull Run Watershed.

   On the north side, the fire pushed up against constructed contingency lines. Fire crews are working out ahead of the fire scouting out opportunities for additional containment lines. Fire activity increased as expected due to warmer, drier weather and decreased humidity.

   The fire is burning as a crown fire in the tree tops and is being fueled by lichens and mosses. The lichens and mosses are carrying the fire and are a major source of fire spread within the wilderness. The fire burned towards clearcuts and young forest plantations that break up the continuity of fuels and provide opportunities for control efforts. It was an active fire night, and another active fire day is expected.

   Today is another critical fire weather day. Conditions in the fire area remained warm and dry throughout the night. Extreme fire behavior is forecasted again today and air and ground resources continue to be focused on the critical west perimeter of the fire. Fire officials are looking forward to some relief as a westerly flows will bring cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity to the fire area on Monday.

   Smoke from increased fire activity and will drift toward communities to the west. In areas downwind of the fire, thick smoke in the early morning and evening hours can produce hazardous driving conditions. Drivers are cautioned to turn on their headlights, slow down, and watch for fire traffic along Highway 35. Be alert that Pacific Crest Trail hikers, rerouted by the fire, are walking along the shoulder of Highway 35 from its junction with Cooper Spur Road north to its junction with Parkdale Road. Also watch for hikers on back roads in the vicinity.

For those interested in keeping up to date, the USFS link is http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2563/

Via Facebook, Dale Crockatt reports this morning:

As the sun faded Saturday evening, the Dollar Lake Fire made a surge to the north at the same time it climbed higher on Mt. Hood near McNeil Point

The moss and lichen-carried fire is burning in isolated pockets between ice and rock on the upper slopes of the mountain.

To the north, the fire crossed Vista Ridge and moved north toward fire lines in the Ladd Creek drainage.

On Sunday, the challenge will be to hold the fire in place in the face of continued high temperatures, low humidity, and unstable atmospheric conditions. Fire managers expect the forecasted weather to promote wind driven crown runs in the lichen and moss.

The Hoodland Fire Department has indicated that they are ready to protect our eastern border up E. Lolo Pass Rd.  However, if the property’s trees are within 30 feet of the home or structure, then there is little they can do.  Using this “rule”, then around 80% of our homes, including ours, would be triaged out.  So the concern level remains high even in the unlikely event.  The hotshot firefighters on the ground are working overtime to contain the fire.  We are all supporting their heroic efforts.