Single Publication

Size: 5,717 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 482 | Containment: 92%

(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/grass understory and remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. 

Yesterday, firefighters used aerial and hand-held infrared devices and gridding techniques to aid them in finding hot spots near the fire line. Around most of the fire, crews further secured containment by extinguishing hot spots several dozen feet inside containment lines. Chipping operations continued along roads used as secondary lines north, northwest, and northeast of the fire. Grading of Forest Road 2804 was completed and backhaul of water handling equipment continued. 

Today, in preparation for tomorrow’s forecast windy conditions, crews are seeking out and extinguishing any remaining hotspots within several hundred feet of secured containment line, focusing on the eastern edge of the fire as southwest winds are expected. Additionally, most of the previous day’s activities will continue. Crews will patrol the fire perimeter 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 lines and chipping along roads used as secondary fire line. Backhauling efforts are ongoing. Helicopters remain available to assist on-the-ground crews as needed. 

Weather:  Unseasonably warm weather is expected today with temperatures forecast 15 degrees above normal, rising to the mid to high 80s in the afternoon. Humidity will reach the low 20s.Wind direction will be from the south. Tomorrow, winds will increase to 15-20 mph, with gusts of 30-35 mph, ahead of an approaching cold front.

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.