Single Publication

Buck Creek Size: 5,119 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 0%
BowmanWell  Size: 2,852 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning  |   Containment: 85%
Total Resources Personnel: 629 |  Crews: 17  | Engines: 27 |  Water Tenders: 11|  Heavy Equipment: 10  | Helicopters: 8

(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. The Fremont-Winema National Forest has issued a forest closure order around the area of the Buck Creek Fire; public and firefighter safety remain the top priority on these incidents. 

Buck Creek: Yesterday, drier conditions resulted in isolated areas of moderate fire activity within the existing fire perimeter. Day and night shift firefighters mopped up hot spots to improve and secure completed dozer line along the north flank and around Rodman Rock in the northwest corner of the fire. Felling crews also dropped snags and other hazardous trees along Forest Road 025 to provide safer conditions for those working along the roads. Dozer line was extended along the eastern fingers and around spots caused by the extreme fire activity on September 10th. On the south edge, some direct dozer line was completed north of Antler Horse Camp. Firefighters scouted for opportunities to connect the new direct fire line with completed line toward the west. Crews used fire hose to mop up hot spots where fire line is completed. Helicopter bucket drops aided firefighters by cooling areas where the fire is actively burning.

Today, crews will improve the portion of the Blue Buck Trail running though the fire area to provide access for medical evacuation and crew support. This will allow firefighters to install and secure direct fire line along the south flank in areas with the highest probability of success. Firefighters will continue to install the direct fire line by hand and with dozers. To support mop-up activities, crews will set up pumps and install hoses along the lines. As the temperature increases and humidity decreases, fire behavior may be most active where winds align with terrain. Aviation resources remain available to assist as visibility allows. 

Bowman Well:  Some interior fuels flared up yesterday, but there was no threat to established containment lines. Firefighters improved, secured, and patrolled lines and will continue this work today. Some firefighting resources are being shifted to the Buck Creek Fire as containment increases on the Bowman Well Fire.

Evacuations: In coordination with fire managers, the Lake County Sheriff has established evacuations for the Buck Creek Fire. All evacuations for the Bowman Well Fire have been lifted. Go to www.lakecountyor.orgfor details about evacuation levels. 

Weather: Maximum temperature in mid 70s and minimum humidity in the 20s are predicted for today and Saturday, with possible rain beginning on Sunday. 

Safety: School buses, cattle, 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: A forest closure order is in effect for the area around the Buck Creek Fire. Go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema for the complete order and map.  Christmas Valley Airport is temporarily closed to general aviation because it is being used as the helibase for fire operations. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the Buck Creek Fire.

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.