Single Publication

Lookout, Bedrock, Petes Lake, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires
Monday, October 2, 2023 - Morning Update – 9:00 a.m.

 

Lookout Fire - Size: 25,751 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 50%

Bedrock Fire - Size: 31,590 acres | Start Date: July 22 l Cause: Under Investigation l Containment: 98%

Petes Lake Fire - Size: 3,254 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Completion: 80%

Horse Creek Fire - Size: 763 acres | Start Date: August 24 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Pothole Fire - Size: 109 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Total Assigned Personnel: 419| 13 engines | 8 crews | 2 dozers | 3 water tenders | 2 masticators | 2 helicopters

(Walterville, Ore.) – Reconnaissance flights on Sunday confirmed that, while scattered hot spots continue to smolder, the fires remain within established perimeters. Where direct containment lines were not constructed, due to unacceptable risk to firefighter safety from rugged terrain or danger trees/snags, indirect contingency lines and other protections for values at risk are in place. Though fires are controlled, important work remains. Crews continue to repair damage caused by suppression activities, as progress is made fire managers are releasing resources. By the end of the day today, more than one-quarter that started the weekend will be returning to their home units.

Suppression Repair: This critical work has been well underway on the fires. Crews are engaged in activities that will minimize soil erosion and other impacts, aiding ecosystem recovery and reducing the risk of future fires. Work also includes chipping and removing large amounts of woody debris, drainage work and fire line naturalization.  These repairs are an integral aspect of restoration of the affected forest. As projects are completed, fire managers will continue to reduce resources.

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER): An Emergency Response Team of resource specialists continue field surveys and assessments for the burned areas of the Lookout, Pothole and Horse Creek Fires. For more information regarding this BAER team’s assessment, follow the Willamette National Forest Facebook.

Weather: Scattered rainfall is in the forecast for early Monday morning and, in the afternoon, wetting rain is expected across the region with a higher chance of precipitation over the Lookout Fire footprint. After Tuesday morning’s chance of drizzle passes, a steady warming trend is forecast for the rest of the week.

Forest Closures: Established closures on the Willamette National Forest remain in place around fire-impacted areas, including the Lookout and Bedrock Fires. The public is urged to “Know Before You Go” by visiting the Willamette National Forest official webpage. For specific hunting-related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000. 

Safety: The public is asked to exercise caution along roadways around the fire. Drivers should be extra vigilant along Forest Road 15 between Highway 126 and Highway 20 where crews and heavy equipment are traveling and engaging in suppression repair work.