Wildfire Incident Report

Prepared: Thursday, March 28, 2024 4:57:41 PM PDT

Wildfire Incident Report


Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center
La Grande, OR, USA
www.fireweatheravalanche.org
Incident #
2021-ORVAD-000347
FWAC Incident ID
173870
Incident Name
Joseph Canyon Fire
Last Updated
Monday, August 30, 2021 11:30 AM PDT
(2 years, 6 months ago)
Fire Reported
Friday, June 4, 2021 11:20 AM PDT
(2 years, 9 months ago)
State
Oregon
Incident Type
Wildfire
Location
28 miles S of Lewiston, ID
Responsible Agency
Bureau of Land Management
Responsible Fire Unit
Vale District
Fuels
Grass, Brush, Timber
Notes
Unknown cause, ODF stat fire, resources responded 6/4
Current Weather

Fire Growth Potential
Fire Weather Forecast
Incident Overview

The Joseph Canyon Fire was one of multiple ignitions resulting from an overnight lightning storm June 3-4. It was reported Friday morning, June 4, by Washington Department of Natural Resources as burning in steep, rugged terrain in northern Wallowa County.

Located 23 miles southwest of Lewiston, ID, the blaze began on Vale Bureau of Land Management lands, but soon crossed over into Washington state lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.

 Three large airtankers dropped retardant along the perimeter of the Joseph Canyon Fire Friday to slow the fire growth.  In addition to firefighter delivery, three Type 2 helicopters were used to drop water on hot spots.

The fire continued to burn actively overnight in the flashy fuels and was estimated to be approximately 2,500 acres by Friday afternoon. Cooler temperatures, reduced wind and moister air slowed the fire on Sunday and Monday, while crews made significant progress in containment. The fire is currently estimated at 7610 acres with 95% containment. Control of the fire was returned to the local unit on June 11 and will be patrolled and monitored using air resources.

Incident Type
Wildfire
Cause
Lightning
Date of Origin
Friday June 04th, 2021 approx. 10:15 PM
Location
Joseph Canyon
Incident Commander
BLM Vale District
Incident Description
Wildfire
Coordinates
45.989, -117.081
Total Personnel
96
Size (Acres)
7,610
Containment
95%
Estimated Containment Date
Monday June 14th, 2021 approx. 12:00 PM
Fuels Involved
Short Grass (1 foot)
Timber (Grass and Understory)
Significant Events
Minimal, smoldering
Planned Actions
Monitor and patrol with air resources
Projected Incident Activity
Minimal spread expected due to suppression actions taken, and weather forecast. Very little smoke present. Fuels will remain wet with cool and moist conditions.
Weather Concerns
Very moist southerly flow and low pressure resulted in a steady rainfall Wed night through early Thursday afternoon. Significant precipitation amounts over the fire area and ICP. 0.20" to 0.50"
with locally higher amounts are expected by noon Thursday. Temperatures will be cool with highs in the 50s Thursday.
Wet weather will create slippery muddy road concerns.
Incident Contact
BLM Vale District
Phone: 541-523-1407
Fire Unit Information
Vale District
Bureau of Land Management
Oregon
Vale, OR 97918
Dispatch Contact
Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center | La Grande, OR
Phone: 541-963-7171
Website: http://bmidc.org
Incident Map

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