Single Publication

Size: 5,703 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 563 | Containment: 88%

(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.  Warmer, drier conditions have resulted in continued consumption of available fuels well inside the secure containment lines. Increased smoke is expected to continue for several days. Fire managers have planned for this, knowing that allowing these fuels to burn within the fire’s interior will increase their confidence that containment lines will remain secure during forecast wind events and beyond.

Yesterday, firefighters used both aerial and hand-held infrared devices to detect a few areas of heat near the northwest fire line and extinguished these hot spots. Firefighters also used a technique known as gridding to methodically walk an area in a predetermined pattern to locate any lingering heat in the vegetation and mop it up. Chipping operations were conducted along roads used as secondary line northwest of the fire. Mop up efforts in dense pockets of unburned fuels along the southern fire edge continued. Road grading was ongoing on the Forest Road 2804. Backhaul of water handling equipment continued. Overnight, a crew patrolled the perimeter to ensure fire did not cross constructed fire lines.

Today, most activities will continue from the previous day. Using aerial and hand-held infrared heat detection equipment, firefighters will search for hot spots near the established fire line; crews will mop up near established lines and patrol to ensure the lines remain secure. Equipment operators will work on restoring roads, completing suppression repair (pulling in berms and installing water bars) on dozer lines not serving as containment and chipping along roads used as secondary fire line. Firefighters will continue backhauling. Helicopters are available to assist on-the-ground crews as needed. 

Weather:  Dry and warm weather is expected through Wednesday with high temperatures in the 70s and humidity in the 20s.  Light winds will be terrain driven with ridgetop gusts up to 15 mph. 

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.