Single Publication

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole Fires/Bedrock

September 4, 2023

Morning Update

ALERT: There may be short closures on Highway 126 as firefighters are removing fire damaged hazard trees.

Lookout: Total Personnel: 701

Size: 24,581 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 20%

Resources: 32 engines l 14 crews l 7 bulldozers l 29 water tenders l 8 masticators l 6 helicopters l 1 Skidder

The eastern side of the fire received light rain Sunday morning, resulting in minimal fire activity. Today, steep terrain on the western flank will be worked by Hot Shot crews to secure the fires edge. Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines, and work on hot spots throughout the fire area. Smoke will continue to impact the McKenzie drainage along Highway 126.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 192

Size: 765 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 12%

Resources: 18 engines l 4 crews l 4 bulldozers l 9 water tenders l 2 masticators l 2 Skidders l 2 Excavators

Yesterday firefighters patrolled the fires edge and continued strengthening and improving completed fire lines. Significant heat from burning, dead and down heavy fuels remain on the eastern side of the fire in steep rugged terrain. Crews will continue extinguishing and removing burning material along completed fire lines, and patrolling along roads.

Pothole: Total Personnel: 90    

Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 15%

Resources: 7 engines l 1 crews l 1 bulldozers l 4 water tenders l 1 Masticator l 3 Skidders

There was little fire activity yesterday allowing firefighters to make good progress on containment. Today Firefighters will maintain established fire lines and continue to secure the perimeter.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 419

Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 85%

Resources: 18 engines l 12 crews l 5 bulldozers l 18 water tenders l 7 masticators l 6 helicopters l 4 Skidder

On the north side of the fire, crews have been chipping brush, removing and processing logs to help reduce fuel loads. The suppression group will continue to work on uncontained lines, provide initial attack capabilities, and continue to assist the Willamette National Forest with nearby fires. Excess fire equipment continues to be removed and returned to base camp for servicing and cleaning.

All Fires 

Recent rains, higher humidity, and cooler temperatures have combined to moderate the burning intensity and slowed the fires growth. However, this has resulted in smoldering and creeping fire that is conducive to increased smoke development. Valleys, drainages, and transportation corridors may be subjected to periods of dense smoke. Smoldering fire will continue to weaken standing trees, creating an extreme hazard to firefighters and equipment.

Weather

The weather pattern that has been in place will continue for at least one more day. The rain has allowed firefighters to make good progress on all fires. Fire activity is expected to be minimal today as the weather remains cool and relatively humid.

Evacuation Centers: An evacuation center is in place at Westridge Middle School in Oakridge for evacuees and small pets from the Horse Creek and Lookout Fires. For assistance with large animal evacuations, please call 541-285-8227. 

Evacuation Update: There is potential for reducing evacuation levels in several zones over the next few days.

Additional information can be found at the following websites.

Lane County Evacuations: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054   

Linn County Evacuations:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/ 

Road Closures:

Highway 242, McKenzie Highway, is closed between milepost 61-76, 14 miles west of Sisters, Oregon to just east of the junction with Highway 126. Highway 126 is currently open. Please monitor Trip Check for any updates at: https://tripcheck.com/   

Forest Closures: Willamette National Forest reduced the closure area for the Bedrock fire due to successful firefighting efforts. Many popular sites and trails have re-opened including the Alpine Trail. There are no changes to closure areas for the Lookout, Horse Creek, and Pothole fire areas at this time. These closures help provide firefighters with safer driving conditions and decrease the potential for search and rescue operations that could interrupt firefighting activities. Closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette. 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 Bedrock: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire