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Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire Update, 09-13-2024
Middle Fork Fire
Publication Type: News - 09/13/2024 - 09:19
Current Situation: California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 assumed command of the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire as of 7:00 a.m. today, September 13, 2024. A weather system brought significant rains throughout the fire area Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Cold overnight temperatures near freezing were observed into this morning. A quick warming and drying trend is forecasted for today and into Saturday, while cooler temperatures, higher humidity and another weather system arrives the latter half of the weekend. This moisture and decrease in temperature have minimized fire activity but have also created access issues for crews on many of the roads. Fire personnel will take advantage of this dry weather period to continue making progress on their operations.
Diamond Complex: The Diamond Complex includes 33 fires in the Umpqua National Forest, 31 of which are 100% contained. Crews continue suppression repair work as well as patrolling and mopping up any remaining areas of interior heat. Due to recent rain and current weather, all fires are anticipated to stay within current containment lines.
The remaining two fires that are not yet fully contained are the Pine Bench Fire (3,976 acres, 66% contained) and the Potter Fire (3,428 acres, 76% contained). Crews assigned to these fires are constructing primary control line along remaining sections of the fire perimeter while continuing to patrol and mop up interior heat, ensure containment lines hold, and remove unneeded equipment.
Middle Fork Fire: The fire perimeter continues to hold with no new growth. Reconnaissance flights over the fire area revealed no significant heat sources. Crews have completed suppression repair operations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews will continue to monitor the fire via vantage points and with a helicopter while also completing suppression repair work east of Route 230 in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Closures: Umpqua National Forest lands, roads, and trails around the Diamond Complex fires are temporarily closed (with several exemptions) under Forest Order 06-15-24-07. Due to the Middle Fork Fire, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands, roads, and trails west of Crater Lake National Park are also temporarily closed under Forest Order 06-10-24-24-02. You are responsible for knowing where you are in relation to the closed areas, so be prepared and view the orders and maps prior to recreating on your public lands. Crater Lake National Park is open; however, several trail closures are in effect.
Fire Restrictions: On the Umpqua National Forest, fire danger is set at High and Public Use Restrictions Level 2 are in effect. Campfires must be in Forest Service constructed fire rings or fireplaces in designated sites and are not allowed in dispersed sites or in wilderness areas.
Diamond Complex (Umpqua National Forest)
Size: 11,141 acres
Containment: 86%
Personnel: 492
Middle Fork Fire (Crater Lake National Park)
Size: 5,286 acres
Containment: 70%
Personnel: 11
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Next update to be released 9-15-2024