Single Publication

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update 

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires 

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex- fires-south 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/ 

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov  Information Line: 541-208-1742 

Willamette Complex South: Total Personnel: 674  |  Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 22,943
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/

Red Fire: Total Personnel: 77  |  Total Red Fire Acres: 1,696
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Summary

Northwest Team 2 took command of the Red fire on the Deschutes National Forest today at 7 AM. The decision to transfer command was based on the Red fire’s proximity to the Willamette Complex fire’s operations. In addition, extended attack support and patrol of the contained fires in the complex is ongoing. The team continues to patrol and do repair work of the following 100% contained fires: Coffee Pot, Tire Mountain, and McKinley Creek.

Red Fire (1,696 acres, 0% containment)

Firefighters from the Willamette Complex South and the Red fire integrated operations yesterday in preparation for today’s transfer of command. Advancement continues on indirect lines work to protect values at risk adjacent to the south end of the fire. Crews are supporting suppression efforts to keep the fire within the indirect line and shaded fuel break. A hotshot crew has been evaluating the situation to prepare for a potential burn operation to remove unburned fuels between the fires edge and forest service road (FSR) 60 if conditions allow. Homes along Cascade Lake are a priority; protecting structures and managing fire growth in this area remain the focus of plans. As part of these plans additional locations for pumps are being installed today for point protection support.

208 Fire (8,683 acres, 0% containment)

The fire was below a smoke inversion for most of the day Monday, resulting in minimal growth in the fire perimeter. Fire activity continues to move towards FSR 23 to the northwest and FSR 21/ 2154 roads to the south. Crews continue to strengthen lines along the roads by removing understory fuels and hazard trees.

Moss Mountain Fire (2,053 acres, 8% containment)

Yesterday, Moss Mountain was socked in which kept fire growth to a minimum. Crews and equipment continue to hold FSR 2120 to prevent fire from spreading south onto private timber lands. Work is steady to secure the spot to the south of FSR 2120 into the main body of the fire. Additional indirect line construction along FSR 2120 and FSR 23 is also being prepared in the event of future fire spread.

Chalk Fire (5,973 acres, 86% containment)

Monitoring of the Chalk fire for any changes in fire activity remain a priority due the fire’s proximity to the town of Oakridge. The fire remains staffed and poised for any change as mop up continues. Conditions are moderating further with forecasted cooler and wetter conditions. Continued consumption of available fuels within the western unburned island is expected. Ongoing repair activities include the removal of suppression equipment and materials.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Inversion at higher elevations is slowly breaking the pattern. Expect slightly higher humidities and wind gusts from the northwest up to 20 miles per hour. High pressure continues to decline with relative humidity around 40% at higher elevations and 60-80% in lower elevations. Smoke should slowly disperse as a northwest breeze continues. Tuesday evening into Wednesday wetting rain is predicted.

Closures and Fire Restrictions

• For Deschutes National Forest closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedFireClosues2024.
• For Deschutes National Forest fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DesFireRestrictions2024.
• For Willamette National Forest closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024. 
• For Willamette National Forest fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024.
• For current Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), visit: http://tfr.faa.gov.