Single Publication

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 27 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 6,630 acres, with 553 people assigned. The containment percentages vary per fire. The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park has 52 people assigned, but the Diamond Complex is sharing resources as needed.  Crater Lake National Park remains open. 

Due to an active fire season, resources are stretched thin in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. Fires are prioritized to address those most threatening critical values at risk. The highest priorities for protection are the fires threatening life, property, transportation, hydropower infrastructure and developed recreation areas.  

OPERATIONS:  

Middle Fork Fire (2,315 acres, 1% contained): Dozer operators completed work to open the 2015 National Creek Complex firelines yesterday, and crews will now begin installing hoses and sprinkler systems along it. The intent is to stop the Middle Fork’s northward spread and confine it within the park. Crews are working on finishing road prep along Wizard Creek southwest of the fire.  The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.   

Diamond Complex Fires 

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 2,148 acres, 15% contained): Firefighters are mopping up and cutting down snags (hazard trees) on the east side. To the northeast, crews are prepping indirect lines and installing hose lays along the constructed dozer line. Additional road systems are being prepped on the east as a contingency line to protect infrastructure at Tokatee Falls if needed. On the west side, masticators have cleared vegetation along the power line corridor, and crews are prepping the road along Dry Gulch Creek. Fire managers will scout for additional indirect holding features and locations to construct dozer line. Firefighters continue to use helicopters to drop water on the west edge as visibility allows, although smoke inhibited operations yesterday. 

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 1316 acres, 0% contained): South of the fire, fuels mitigation is nearing completion around critical Pacificorp hydropower infrastructure. Firefighters will continue wrapping trestles and supports and setting up sprinkler systems. Fire managers are scouting ridges and road systems for fireline opportunities. 

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 257 acres, 0% contained): This fire continues to show increased activity but spread to the east is currently hanging up in Bear Creek. Firefighters utilized helicopters to conduct water drops to cool the fire’s edge. Heavy equipment operators got dozer line around the eastern piece. Crews will continue to improve holding features while mopping up on the west.  

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 188 acres 0% contained): Fire managers are scouting road systems in the northeast corner for direct and indirect opportunities to stop the fire. Significant power infrastructure is to the south of this fire, making it a high priority. 

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 141 acres, 0% contained): Fire managers are assessing road systems for opportunities to keep the fire in its current footprint. 

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1247 acres, 20% contained): A pocket of unburned vegetation on the south side has shown increased activity in the last few days. Firefighters have been waiting for the right conditions to complete strategic firing operations in this area and expect that work to occur today. Crews will continue to cool hot spots and patrol areas where firing operations previously occurred. 

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 843 acres, 40% contained): This fire is currently unstaffed and will be patrolled from the air. The contained area is on the west side along Highway 138. 

Bear Trap Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain, 64 acres, 50% contained): Crews continue to mop up around the fire’s edge. 

Watson Fire (237 acres, 50% contained), and Loafer Fire (40 acres, 50% contained): Crews continue their successful containment and mop up on these fires. 

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:   

Trap Fire (One mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain, 16 acres, 0% contained)   

Rough Fire (11 acres, 25% contained)  

Campwood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138, 20 acres, 25% contained)  

Wood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 139, 23 acres, 25% contained)  

Canal Fire (1 acre, 75% contained) 

Slide Fire (Northeast of Pine Bench, 0.1 acres, 95% contained) 

Elephant Fire (Two miles southwest of Lemolo Lake, 0.7 acres, 95% contained) 

Sheep Fire (Three miles north of Diamond Lake, 0.3 acres, 95% contained)  

Thin Fire (Four miles northwest of Diamond Lake, 0.6 acre, 95% contained)  

Pig Iron Fire (Near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, 27 acres, 95% contained) 

Garwood Fire (About three miles southwest of Mt. Bailey, 5 acres, 95% contained) 

Mowich Fire (One mile north of Hwy 138, 0.4 acre, 95% contained)  

Toolbox Fire (0.1 acres, 95% contained)  

Fires 100% contained: Clearwater Fire (0.7 acre), Birds Fire (0.1 acres), Dog Fire (0.1 acres) 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:  The warming and drying trend continues through the week, resulting in longer burn periods and an uptick in fire activity. Fire behavior will continue to depend partially on smoke conditions. If the day is clear with little smoke, the fires will see more sun with potentially more active fire behavior. However, if there is lots of smoke, this could slightly lower temperatures and increase relative humidity, tampering fire behavior. 

SMOKE OUTLOOK:  Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations. For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/  

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, EVACUATIONS: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at VERY HIGH, and Public Use Restrictions Level 3 ORDER NO. 06-15-24-04 is in effect: https://tinyurl.com/PublicUseRestrictions  

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail Fire from a Level 2: BE SET to a Level 1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail Fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo Fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations