Single Publication

Lookout, Horse Creek, Pothole & Bedrock Fires 

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - Morning Update  

Lookout, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires Total Personnel: 756  Assigned Resources: 24 engines l 12 crews l 4 dozers l 23 water tenders l 7 masticators l 3 helicopters l 2 skidders 

Lookout Fire: Size: 24,692 acres l Start Date: August 5 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 50% 

As the current warming and drying trend continues through the weekend, the fire is burning more actively and producing visible smoke columns. This increase in fire behavior is occurring within containment lines on the northern portion of the fire near Carpenter Pass, and poses no immediate threat to the communities along the McKenzie River corridor. Unhealthy levels of wildfire smoke observed near the fire area are the primary concerns from this uptick in fire activity. Firefighters continue to hold established containment lines to minimize fire spread to the west, south and east. Helicopters are assisting ground resources with water drops to cool down areas of heat and limit fire growth.  

Horse Creek Fire: Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 96% 

Firefighters are holding and securing containment lines. Active patrol and monitoring operations continue to ensure the fire stays within established containment lines. Resources have also shifted to suppression repair activities which include chipping woody material and rehabilitating dozer lines to help stabilize burned areas. 

Pothole Fire: Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 90%  

An engine crew continues to patrol and monitor the fire, and also mop up areas of heat. Resources are in the process of removing woody material from roadsides and fire lines.  

Bedrock Fire: Total Personnel: 127 | Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 98%   

Assigned Resources: 5 engines l 2 crews l 13 water tenders l 3 masticators l 3 dozers l 1 skidder l 1 helicopter  

This wildfire is in the repair and recovery phase, where crews and heavy equipment operators are working to reduce hazards from both the fire and fire suppression activities. The objective of this suppression repair work is to protect people and infrastructure, as well as cultural and natural resources for the immediate future and subsequent years. The work includes removing fire-weakened trees, repairing containment lines and constructing water bars to prevent erosion and sedimentation of nearby waterways. Firefighters are also mopping up areas of heat and patrolling containment lines. Excess equipment is being removed from the fireline. 

Weather: One last afternoon of elevated fire weather concerns is expected today, mostly due to low relative humidities and elevated temperatures. Starting Monday, a cold front will move into the region bringing stronger onshore flow that will increase cloud cover, lower temperatures and boost relative humidities.  

Linn County Evacuations: A Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice remains in place for the Lookout Fire. Visit the Linn County Sheriff’s Office website for current info: https://www.linnsheriff.org/wildfire_live_updates. 

Lane County Evacuations: There are NO evacuations for the Bedrock Fire. Near the Horse Creek and Lookout fires, Horse Creek Road east of the Horse Creek Bridge remains in Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation status. Additionally, some areas along Highway 126 and the eastern portion of Blue River Reservoir are under a Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice. Visit the Lane County website for more information and to view the interactive evacuation map: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054  

Forest Closures: Emergency closure orders remain in place for the Willamette National Forest. These closure can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. Hunters are encouraged to check current Forest closures before heading out. Keep in mind, these closures are in place for both public and firefighters safety. For current information regarding Oregon hunting regulations, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000 or visit https://myodfw.com 

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest. For more information, visit the Willamette National Forest website. 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 Fire Information: 

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023  

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

Bedrock Fire Information: 

Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/ 

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

Lookout and Bedrock Fire Information Phone Line: 541-215-6735 (staffed 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)