Single Publication

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line: 541-208-7100 (Staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)  
Facebook: https://t.ly/mSLvP 
Inciweb: https://t.ly/syeHa 

September 21, 2024

Firefighters are using direct and indirect tactics to suppress eight fires, totaling approximately 35,709 acres. The Lane 1 fire is 99% contained. The Homestead Complex of fires is 33% contained overall. 766 people are assigned to the Homestead Complex and Lane 1 fires. 

Crews are improving containment lines across the fire area by reducing fuels through mastication, chipping wood, and hauling fuels to landings away from the fire. There are still many miles of uncontained fire edge. Aerial infrared detection yesterday located additional hot spots that crews will address today. Firefighters are mopping up, widening and strengthening fire lines by extinguishing hot spots and removing fuels. A large helicopter yesterday supported firefighters on the ground, dropping 2,900 gallons of water. Crews are also clearing and repairing roads impacted by the fires and by fire suppression activities. The goal of these fire suppression and repair efforts is to protect the values at risk: communities and infrastructure; private timber lands; and public resources, including recreation opportunities and fish spawning habitat.

On the Horse Heaven Fire, firefighters found a spot fire yesterday at the northeast corner, based on seeing smoke. They got line around the spot and got it contained. Hand crews are working in that area, near the 915 road spur, and engines are supporting where they have access. The large chipping operation continues along the east flank of the fire. On the west flank, a masticator is removing fuels along the indirect fire line.

On the Fuller Lake and Bullpup Fires, firefighters yesterday improved fire line around a slop-over and spot fire near the 380 and 3810 roads, to ensure they stay in check with the warmer, drier weather. Moving south on the 3810 road, a processor is pulling logs out, then a masticator is working behind on the indirect fire line along the Boulder Creek Wilderness. On the east flank of the fire, along the 5851 road, firefighters are extinguishing hot spots and mopping up, confirming fire lines stay secure with the weather change. 

On the No Man Fire, infrared detection showed some new heat on the west flank, inside the fire line. Crews engaged the hot spots yesterday and will monitor those spots today. Two excavators are working at the south flank and engines are patrolling the indirect fire perimeter lines.

On the Lane 1 Fire, crews completed snagging on the north flank yesterday. Heavy equipment continues work today on the 900 and 2328 roads and near Canton Creek, cleaning out ditches, grading, and installing water bars. Crews are consolidating log decks at the southeast fire edge. Hauling, chipping, and a hand crew will follow that work. Firefighters are evaluating structure protections in place near the Bohemia Mine District to determine what equipment is no longer needed and could be removed as fire risk decreases. On the east flank, crews are replacing berms and drainage features on previous roadbeds that were opened for dozer line. 

Closures and fire restrictions: Two closure orders impact every District of the Umpqua National Forest https://t.ly/Mvn6G. The forest is in Moderate Fire Danger with no Public Use Restrictions https://t.ly/LI4cd. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District closure order is in effect for portions of BLM land bordering the Umpqua National Forest closure north of Steamboat https://t.ly/uWX6l. A BLM Northwest Oregon District closure is also in place for an area west of the Lane 1 fire https://t.ly/oW1lG.

Weather: The Incident Meteorologist is predicting the weather today will be warmer and drier. A warming and drying trend continues in the forecast, reaching into the 80s on Tuesday, with relative humidities dipping to 27 percent. As fuels dry out, there is increased potential for some fire spread and additional smoke.