Single Publication

Buck Creek Size: 5,647 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 10%
Final Report: Bowman Well Size: 2,853 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 97%
Total Resources Personnel: 673 | Crews: 17 |  Engines: 38| Water Tenders: 19 | Heavy Equipment: 15 |  Helicopters: 4

(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. Starting today, the Bowman Well Fire is in patrol status and will be managed by local units. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority.

Buck Creek: Yesterday, cool weather and higher humidity allowed firefighters to make excellent progress. On the west edge of the fire, hand crews and dozer operators constructed fire line in the vicinity of Buck Ridge. Across the north flank, day and night crews improved and mopped up along established dozer lines. On the northeast edge of the fire, a crew member from the Union Hotshots piloted an Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS or drone) to detect heat inside and outside the constructed fire line, west of Forest Road 3038. Once located, crews used hand tools and heavy equipment to extinguish the hot spots. Using previously installed hose lays, firefighters mopped up the southeastern edge toward Antler Horse Camp. Crews continued the arduous work of building hand line and carrying rounds of 1½” fire hose (each weighing 23 pounds) to install hose lays in support of mop up efforts.

Today, UAS flights will detect hot spots near constructed fire line. Crews will work to connect segments of fire line in the vicinity of Buck Ridge on the west edge of the fire. Hand line construction and hose lay installation is ongoing in the difficult terrain northeast from Antler Horse Camp. Firefighters will continue using several miles of hose lay to reach and extinguish hot spots along constructed fire line. Crews face many hazards during line construction and mop up, but two of the most dangerous are falling trees and hot ash pits left by burned-out stumps. Aviation resources will be available to assist on-the-ground firefighters as conditions allow. 

Bowman Well: Equipment operators have completed road grading and as of 6 a.m. today, management of this fire has been returned to local units. This is the last daily update for the Bowman Well Fire.  Fire managers are confident that the fire will remain within its established footprint and are crediting the strong work of local and regional initial attack crews for making it possible to achieve 97% containment so quickly. The incident’s firefighting resources have been reassigned 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, maximum temperatures are forecast to be in the low 60s, with continued cloud cover and a cool north wind. The probability for rain is low.

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 is 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.