Single Publication

Size: 5,660 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 540 | Containment: 61%

(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 remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. As containment increases around the fire perimeter, crews are beginning to collect equipment that is no longer needed on the line. Fire managers ask the public to respect forest closures. Even though crews are making good progress on the Buck Creek Fire, the area remains dangerous due to the effects of the fire and ongoing firefighting activity. 

Buck Creek: Yesterday, warmer and drier conditions resulted in a slight increase in fire activity within the fire perimeter. Water tenders and road graders worked to return National Forest roads on the eastern portions of the fire to pre-suppression conditions. Mop up continued. Crews began backhauling hoses, pumps, portable tanks, and remaining flagging.  Backhauling is the process of removing firefighting equipment from the fire line and returning it to the supply unit in camp where it is packaged and shipped to a fire cache for refurbishment. Overnight, crews patrolled the perimeter to ensure fire did not cross constructed fire lines. A UAS (an Unstaffed Aerial System or drone) with infrared technology scanned near the containment lines to identify any lingering hot spots.  

Today, UAS missions will continue to search for hot spots near established fire line; crews will mop up and patrol to make sure the line stays secure. Equipment operators will work on restoring roads around the fire including Forest Roads 3500 and 3038. Firefighters will continue backhauling efforts. Helicopters remain available to assist on-the-ground crews if needed. 

Weather:  Today, a dry front will pass to the north of the fire bringing possible northerly wind gusts of up to 15 mph. Conditions will be warmer and drier with temperatures expected to be in the mid-70s and minimum humidity in the high teens.

Safety: Firefighting equipment and personnel are present on local roads. For the safety of firefighters and the public, fire managers ask the public to drive carefully and 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 fire prevention tips, visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. 

Closures and Restrictions: Fire danger remains high. Campfire and other restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. A forest closure order is in effect for the area around the Buck Creek Fire. For the complete order and map as well as more detail on fire restrictions, 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 fires around the region may affect air quality. For more information on conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov.