Single Publication

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp Fires Update – August 14, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

Firefighters took advantage of the extended period of gentler weather on Saturday to improve lines on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, containment grew to 60% as crews extended 100-foot mop operations on the perimeter. Crews will continue to work direct today, utilizing dry mop up operations to secure fire lines in the Windigo Butte area. Crews use dry mop up methods – mixing dirt into the ashes, when water isn’t available to cool down the burned edge of the fire.

Yesterday, the Lake View Hotshots successfully completed a backburn on the southwest edge of the Potter fire. Today, firefighters will conduct strategic firing operations using the Unmanned Aircraft System (drone), aiming to control fire growth on the west flank of the fire. Crews will continue mop up operations to secure the perimeter of the fire.

The Big Swamp Fire is currently at 121 acres. Crews will continue to reinforce lines along the south east flank and use direct fire operations where possible, aiming to reinforce lines on the east and southern areas.

Resources on the fires include 888 total personnel comprised of 26 handcrews, 22 engines, 11 dozers, 11 water tenders, eight Type 1 Helicopters, one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

High temperatures will be in the 80-85 degrees range today. Morning winds will be from northwest over the Potter and Big Swamp Fires and from the east on the Windigo Fire, with a shift at mid-day from the northwest on the Windigo fire, with speeds between 4-8 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 40-80% chance of ignition. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,007 acres
Containment: 60%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 425 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 121 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Big Swamp, Windigo, and Potter Fires.

·       Additional Potter Fire Road Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices

·       Pacific Crest Trail – visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/oregon/ for more information.