Bald Sisters Fire spreads, closure expanded

Published 9:00 am Thursday, September 18, 2014

JOHN DAY – The Bald Sisters Fire gained another 397 acres yesterday, pushed by gusty winds and continued warm temperatures.

The Forest Service said the fire measured 2,345 acres this morning, based on infrared imaging.

The fire growth is north of Reynolds Creek.

Overall, the fire remains within the containment lines established earlier. Crews are working to monitor and hold the lines throughout the area.

Due to increased fire activity, the area closure has been expanded.

The updated closure affects the area around Baldy Mountain in the Inventoried Roadless Area, specifically:

• Starting at the Malheur National Forest (MNF) boundary and Forest Road (FR) 2635 in Sec. 30, T 13S, R 35E to the intersection with Forest Service Road (FSR) 101 in Sec. 16, T 13S, R 35 ½ E.

• East to intersection with FSR 2652 in Sec. 9, T 13S, R 35 ½E.

• South to FSR 600 in Sec. 9, T14S R35 ½ E;

• Southwesterly to FSR 268 in Sec. 16, T14S, R 35 ½ E

• Southwesterly to FSR 13 in Sec. 17, T 14S, R 35 ½ E.

• North and northwesterly on FSR 13 to the MNF boundary in Sec. 31, T 13S, and R 35E.

• North along MNF boundary to starting point at FSR 2635.

Forest officials said perimeter roads are open for through traffic.

In other fire news, the South Fork Complex was deemed 100 percent contained as of Sunday, Sept. 14.