Single Publication

Buck Creek Size: 5,062 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 0%
Bowman Well  Size: 2,727 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning   |   Containment: 15%
Total Resources  Personnel: 419  | Crews: 11 |  Engines: 23 |  Water Tenders: 5 |  Heavy Equipment:  14 |  Helicopters: 3

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber on the Fremont-Winema National Forest about 12 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. in a semi-primitive area of the Forest with limited road access. The Bowman Well Fire is burning in sage brush, grass and juniper on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management about 3 miles northwest of Christmas Valley, Ore. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority on the incidents. This morning, in remembrance of September 11, 2001 attacks, Incident Commander Steve North led personnel in a moment of silence to honor the 2,996 victims.

Buck Creek: Greater than expected northwesterly winds led to very active fire behavior on the Buck Creek Fire Monday afternoon, causing growth to the east and a smoke column visible across Lake County. However, aviation resources helped keep the fire’s spread out of private timber land to the north. Yesterday, smoke jumpers continued their efforts on the fire’s southern edge, using saws and other hand tools to build 10’ – 20’ direct containment lines from Buck Creek to Bridge Creek’s western fork. Firefighters have been working in partnership with private timber company resources to build, hold and improve containment lines along the fire’s northern perimeter. As the morning’s temperature inversion lifted, fire activity increased. Fire managers used both helicopter and fixed-wing aviation resources to cool the advancing flames and apply retardant. Erratic winds and poor visibility due to smoke conditions challenged efforts to precisely target water bucket and air tanker drops. Today, firefighters will continue to secure the fire’s southern perimeter and look for opportunities to connect those containment lines with others under construction along the fire’s western flank. Efforts along the northern edge are ongoing as heavy equipment operators and hand crews build containment lines. 

Bowman Well:  There was no growth on the Bowman Well Fire and containment remained steady at 15%. As of Wednesday morning, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has reduced all evacuation notices to Level 1 “Be Ready” for potential evacuation. For more information, see the attached map or visit the Lake County website at www.lakecountyor.org. Although firefighters continue to reinforce control lines around the fire’s perimeter, resources are being reassigned to the Buck Creek Fire. 

Weather: Rainfall is forecast to begin this morning with a chance of thunderstorms by afternoon. Cool weather will persist through Thursday, with seasonal temperatures returning by week’s end. 

Safety: For everyone’s safety, fire managers ask the public to drive attentively and to remain clear of the fire areas. The public also plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire by using caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. Current fire danger is extreme and restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. More information can be found at: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fremont-winema/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1188568 

Closures: Starting today, Christmas Valley Airport will be temporarily closed to general aviation use as the site begins service as a helibase for fire operations. A temporary flight restriction is in place over both fires. 

Smoke:  Smoke from multiple fires around the region is affecting the area. For more information on smoke conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov.