Single Publication

Buck Creek Size: 5,062 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 0%
Bowman Well  Size: 2,852 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning   |   Containment: 75%
Total Resources  Personnel: 500 |  Crews: 13 |  Engines: 26 |  Water Tenders:  | Heavy Equipment: 8  |   Helicopters: 7

(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 these incidents. Even with gusty winds from the west, the higher humidity from fleeting thunderstorms resulted in little fire movement, affording firefighters and equipment the opportunity to make excellent progress.  No structures have been lost or damaged.

Buck Creek: On the north edge of the fire, private timber company resources and day and night shift firefighters used heavy equipment to install dozer line east from Rodman Rock to Bridge Creek. On the west flank, smokejumpers completed hand line and installing hose along the fire edge from Bridge Creek north to the southern slope of Rodman Rock. On the south and east edges, firefighters scouted for opportunities to connect new direct fire line with completed line on the north and west flanks.  Crews also mopped up hot spots near the completed line, which reduces the risk of fire crossing the line.

Today, crews will continue to install dozer and hand line as the terrain allows. They will also set up hose to aid mop up activities, and scout places to build direct fire line in areas with the highest probability of success. With light and variable winds from the west, fire behavior may be most active where winds align with terrain. Felling crews are reducing the hazard posed by fire weakened trees. Aviation resources remain available to assist as visibility allows. 

Bowman Well:  Windy conditions and no measurable precipitation yesterday resulted in isolated burning within the Bowman Well Fire. Although there has been an increase in acreage, there continues to be no growth beyond the fire’s established perimeter.  Today, firefighters will continue to reinforce control lines. 

Evacuations: In coordination with fire managers, the Lake County Sheriff has established evacuations for both the Buck Creek and Bowman Well fires. Go to www.lakecountyor.org for details about evacuation levels. 

Weather: Slightly warmer daytime temperatures are forecast for today, with light and variable winds from the west.  No precipitation is expected. 

Safety: School buses, cattle, and firefighting equipment and crews are present on local roads. 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: Christmas Valley Airport is temporarily closed to general aviation because it is being used as the helibase for fire operations. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the Bowman Well Fire was lifted yesterday.  The TFR over the Buck Creek Fire remains in place. 

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.