Single Publication

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 15, 2023 - Morning Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 618 | Size: 24,644 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 50%

Resources: 25 engines l 12 crews l 6 bulldozers l 23 water tenders l 5 masticators l 3 helicopters l 2 skidders

The Lookout Fire experienced pockets of increased mild to moderate fire activity due to the warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels in the region.  Crews strengthened and tested the primary and alternate containment lines and equipment.  Foot and vehicle patrols continue to be vigilant while monitoring any active pockets of fire.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 63 |Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 90%

Resources: 5 engines l 1 crew l 1 bulldozer l 2 water tenders l 2 masticator l 1 excavator | 3 skidders

Horse Creek Fire resources were able to further their efforts mitigating hazards around the containment lines, like fire-weakened trees.  These danger trees limit their ability to safely begin the suppression repair process on the forest roads and infrastructure. 

Pothole: Total Personnel: 17 |Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 90% Resources: 1 engine l 1 water tender | 1 excavator

Pothole Fire is in a similar status as Horse Creek with ongoing patrolling and monitoring of containment lines. Crews will begin the process of removing woody material from roadsides and fire lines while shifting to more suppression repair activities.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 159 | Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 90%

Resources: 5 engines l 4 crews l 3 bulldozers l 16 water tenders l 3 masticators l 3 helicopters l 1 skidder

Bedrock Fire has ongoing suppression repair activity around the fires perimeter, utilizing heavy equipment, chippers, and wood processors along the roads removing the woody material like downed logs and brush piles. There was very minimal smoke presenting or notable fire activity.

All Fires:  With the higher temperatures and dryer relative humidifies in the incoming days, there will be an increase in smoke generated from interior portions of the Bedrock and Lookout fires, as well as other fires still burning in the region, such as the Pete’s Lake Fire.  Many areas in the McKenzie corridor will likely experience an inversion layer of smoke early in the morning until the lifting influence of winds clears them out from drainages and valley bottoms.

Weather: Today the fire will experience a continued warming and drying trend with a light easterly flow that will last into the weekend over the fire area in both the day and night time.  Expect elevated temperatures and lower relative humidity with the potential for critical fire weather conditions into Saturday, with highs in the upper 80s.  There will potentially be increased smoke present from not only the Lookout Fire, but also other fires in the surrounding regions of the Central and West Cascades.   

Evacuation Update

Linn County Evacuations: For the Lookout and Horse Creek fires, the Linn County Sheriff Offices announced an Evacuation Alert change.  For updated information visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/wildfire_live_updates

Lane County Evacuations: The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is lifting the remaining Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notices related to the Bedrock Fire.  For the most specific guidance on evacuation level locations, please refer to the evacuation map located at https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054  This resource will describe which areas remain at Level 1 (Be Ready) and Level 2 (Be Set).  For the Lookout Fire additional reductions to many of the evacuation notices have been made.  For the most specific guidance on evacuation level locations, please refer to the evacuation map located at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LookoutFire. 

Forest Closures: The closure order for the Lookout Fire was reduced on September 7.  Updated closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest. Visit the Willamette National Forest  Website to view current forest closures. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout fire areas.  

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a The Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another source for air quality information.   

Lookout Information Line: 541-215-6735 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire  

Bedrock Fire Information: 541-414-6272 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire

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