Single Publication

Buck Creek Size: 5,657 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 3%
Bowman Well  Size: 2,853 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning   |   Containment: 97%
Total Resources Personnel: 675 | Crews: 17 |  Engines: 35| Water Tenders: 16 | Heavy Equipment: 15 |  Helicopters: 5

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber within the Yamsay Mountain Semi-Primitive Area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 13 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. The fire spread north and east into managed timber stands with brush and grass understory and is now about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. The Bowman Well Fire was burning in sage brush, grass, and juniper on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management about 3 miles northwest of Christmas Valley, Ore. All constructed fire lines on both fires held during the windy conditions yesterday and last night. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority on these incidents.

Buck Creek: Yesterday, winds from the west resulted in increased fire activity on the south edge of the fire near Antler Horse Camp. Helicopter bucket drops aided firefighters as they worked to limit fire growth. In the northwest corner near Buck Creek just south of Rodman Rock, firefighters successfully conducted tactical firing operations. These efforts removed unburned fuels from the fire’s edge to the constructed handline, where it was contained.  Hand crews and dozers constructed fire line along the west flank in the vicinity of Buck Ridge. Across the north, northwest and northeast edges (about one mile west of Forest Road 3038), day and night crews continued to improve and mop up along the dozer lines. They also extended hose lays along the constructed fire line to the fire’s most eastern point. On the southern flank, dozer operators built fire line directly on the fire’s edge, near Horse Antler Camp. Six smokejumpers and a twenty-person crew continued to extend hand line and fire hose from near the fire’s origin at Bridge Creek, eastward along the fire edge. These crews have been spending their nights in this difficult-to-access part of the fire. Yesterday, a Rapid Extraction Medical (REM) module joined the crews via the Blue Buck Trail so emergency medical assistance is available at all times. 

Today, crews will extend hand line and dozer line on the west and south flanks of the fire. Firefighters will also set up pumps and install hose along constructed lines to aid in mop up activities. If conditions permit, more tactical firing operations will take place on the north flank of the fire. Cooler, wet weather and winds from the north may provide firefighters with opportunities to make greater progress on suppression activities. Aviation resources remain available to assist as conditions allow.

Bowman Well:  Yesterday, firefighters patrolled lines to ensure none were threatened by fire activity. Grading restored most roads used to access the fire to pre-suppression condition. Firefighters will patrol containment lines and equipment operators will grade roads again today. As containment increases, excess firefighting resources are being shifted to the Buck Creek 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: Today, it will be cooler and damper, with the maximum temperature in the 50s and humidity also in the 50s. There will be cloud cover all day, but only 1/10 inch of rain is predicted.

Safety: Firefighting equipment and personnel 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/fremont-winema. 

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

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