Single Publication

Size: 5,737 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 371 | Containment: 96%

(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. In anticipation of assuming command of the fire later this week, the Incident Commander of the incoming fire management team was given a helicopter tour to gather information on conditions around the fire. Despite the heavy smoke produced by burning woody material, surveys around the fire detected no hot spots or burning debris within 100 feet of its perimeter.

Yesterday, all burning that took place on the fire occurred well within containment lines. Grading of all roads around the fire was completed. Road graders and water tenders were released from the incident to be available elsewhere. An Albach chipper, one of the most powerful all-road, self-propelled chippers, was engaged on the north side of the fire, processing large woody debris and returning chips to the forest floor. Chipping operations continued along roads used as secondary lines north, northwest, and northeast of the fire.  Additional work included suppression repair on non-critical dozer lines, which are being restored to pre-fire conditions.

Today, with warmer temperatures and stronger southwesterly winds expected, efforts are focused on patrolling the eastern edge of the fire to ensure containment lines remain secure. Equipment operators will be 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 of equipment continues and to date, nearly 30 miles of water hose has been returned to the Incident Command Post from the fire lines. Helicopters remain available to assist on-the-ground crews as needed.

Weather: Windy conditions are expected today with sustained southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph. Expect temperatures in the 70’s, with gradually decreasing winds once skies become cloudy this afternoon. 

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.