Single Publication

Size: 5,647 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 559 | Containment: 16%

(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 on National Forest lands with brush and grass understory and it remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. The diligence and hard work of firefighters and equipment operators these past ten days has resulted in construction of continuous line around the perimeter of the fire. Public and firefighter safety remain the incident’s top priority.

Buck Creek: Yesterday, continued cool weather and light rain provided favorable conditions for firefighters to mop up hot spots and secure previously constructed fire line around the fire perimeter. On the west edge of the fire, hand crews and dozer operators completed construction of fire line from Rodman Rock over Buck Ridge to Buck Creek. Across the north flank, day and night crews improved and mopped up along established dozer lines. On the northeast edge of the fire along constructed fire lines, firefighters used Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS/drone) flights to document hidden hot spots for extinguishment by crews on the ground. On the south edge of the fire, hand crews methodically built fire line and conducted mop up operations in steep terrain and through a substantial amount of dead and down material.

Today, crews are improving completed hand line and are using water pumped from nearby streams to mop up hot spots in the difficult terrain northeast from Antler Horse Camp and southeast from near the Blue Buck Trail. The camp has not been damaged by the fire; however, it remains within a closure area. Firefighters in other areas are also extinguishing hot spots along the remainder of the constructed fire line. Firefighter safety is the top priority as mop up operations continue along fire lines where hazardous trees and hot ash pits remain a concern. Aviation resources remain available to assist on-the-ground firefighters as conditions allow. 

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

Weather: Today, sunshine and a westerly breeze will promote drying.  Another cold front will move through the area tonight, with a slight chance of showers expected. 

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.