The findings suggest that in the near term, these forests may transition from a dense fir-dominated conifer forest into a patchy, low-density, pine-dominated forest that will likely lack the fuel connectivity conducive to crown fires. The burned areas, however, did support the establishment of pines at a low density, which are functionally better adapted to fire. True firs were the dominant conifer tree species across the study areas, but post-fire tree regeneration was generally very poor due to a lack of live mature trees remaining after the fires to reseed the forest. Credit: Courtesy of Sebastian Busby/Portland State University A lack of live trees and exposed growing conditions created by the fires is limiting natural forest regeneration. Subalpine forest severely and repeatedly burned on Mt. "Because these forests have not historically burned very often, they're composed of high densities of tree species that are not well-adapted to frequent and very large severe fires." "These forests are drying out earlier in the year, making them more vulnerable to frequent, severe and larger wildfires," Busby said. The time between repeated wildfire events in this study was less than 12 years. But climate change has led to warmer winters, reduced mountain snowpack and longer, drier summers and fire seasons. Jefferson area.īusby said that historically, wet and cool climate limited fire events in these humid forest environments to an interval of 50 to 200-plus years. Some areas Busby studied have burned again this summer as part of the Lionshead fire in the Mt. Jefferson, the wildfires included the 2003 Booth and Bear Butte Complex, 2007 Warm Springs Area Lightning Complex and 2014 Bear Butte 2 fires. Adams, these wildfires included the 2008 Cold Springs, 2012 Cascade Creek and 2015 Cougar Creek fires.
Structure protection will continue to focus on working with residents in Belt Park, Monarch and Neihart to secure buildings and other structures,” according to InciWeb.The study, led by PSU graduate student Sebastian Busby, examined temperate forests that burned expansively, severely and repeatedly between 20 in the central Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington. In addition, mechanized equipment will be used wherever possible to establish and improve control lines to minimize risk and exposure to firefighters. Weather permitting, aviation resources will continue to support fire suppression efforts. “Protecting the communities of Belt Park, Deer Creek Estates, Monarch, Neihart and the Hwy. The same weather conditions at the Harris Mountain Fire prevented air tanker operations on July 27 at Balsinger.ĭivide Complex, Harris Mountain fires grow The Balsinger Fire is about 8,185 acres and zero percent contained. On July 27, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks said that the lower end of Holter Reservoir may be closed this week to allow firefighter resources access to the water. Families can also request Red Cross Services by calling 80. The Montana Red Cross evacuation center is located at the Cascade School. Harris Mountain, Balsinger fires continue to grow, town meeting planned in Cascade on July 27 A pre-evacuation notice was issued for Novak Creek Lane. On July 26, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuation orders for all residents south of mile marker 7 on Adel Road, Cannon Lake Lane, Sheep Creek Road and Sheep Creek Lane, and Austin Lane. Portions of the fire were staffed with crews late into the evening and early morning to provide extended coverage for point source protection near structures,” according to InciWeb. Crews worked to secure areas near structures in the south part of Sheep Creek, installing sprinklers and improving dozer line. “Firefighters made good progress completing fireline on the northern edge of the fire connecting dozer and retardant lines implemented over the past few days. Harris Mountain Fire now more than 19,000 acres Helicopters were able to do water bucket drops, according to InciWeb. The fire activity slowed on July 27 due to weather conditions, but the weather also prohibited air tankers from delivering retardant due to poor visibility. The fire near the Town of Cascade is about 25,300 acres and zero percent contained, according to InciWeb, with 228 personnel assigned.
#FIRE IN THE CASCADEA UPDATE#
July 29 at Wedsworth Hall in Cascade for an update on the Harris Mountain Fire. A community meeting is planned for 10 a.m.