Single Publication

Bedrock and Salmon Fires

August 14, 2023

Daily Fire Update

Bedrock Fire Quick Facts

Size: 22,679 acres                           Origin: Willamette National Forest             Resources: 40 engines;

Containment: 20%                         Cause: Under Investigation                          25 crews; *9 helicopters;   

Total personnel: 997                     Start Date: July 22, 2023                             11 dozers, 30 water tenders

Salmon Fire Quick Facts

Size: 135 acres                                Origin: Willamette National Forest             Resources: 3 engines;

Containment: 80%                         Cause: Under Investigation                          1 crew; 1 water tender;          

Total personnel: 52                       Start Date: August 6, 2023                          *aircraft shared

Community Meeting:  There will be a virtual community meeting tonight at 7:30 PM on the Bedrock Fire Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/. Questions about the Salmon and Bedrock Fires can be submitted via Facebook prior to the meeting on the event page.

Bedrock Fire: Yesterday’s Red Flag conditions led to numerous spot fires on the western fire perimeter, with the easterly winds carrying burning embers up to ¾ mile from the main fire in some instances. These new spot fires are currently west of the alternate control line at the 1817 Road and south of the 18 Road. Today fire crews, engines, dozers, and heavy helicopters will be engaging the fire on the western flank in very challenging weather conditions. The Oregon State Fire Marshall has structural fire protection engines that will be protecting homes in the Fall Creek area. Firefighters are holding and securing containment lines around the northern and eastern fire perimeters and are continuing to mop up and secure firelines on the southern and southeastern fire perimeters.  

Salmon Fire: As activity declines on the Salmon Fire, fire crews and equipment are being shifted to assist with the Bedrock Fire. Firefighters are continuing to mop up around the fire perimeter.

Evacuations: The Lane County Sheriff's Office issued new Level 1 and 3 “Go now!” evacuation notices for areas west of the fire near Fall Creek Lake. The level 1 evacuation around the Salmon Fire remains in place. Please see the searchable evacuation map with fire perimeters at the Lane County website.

Smoke: Areas north and east of the fire should have good air quality today. McKenzie is predicted to have Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) overall, with some unhealthy periods. Oakridge and west along HWY 58 may have USG late morning through early evening.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 8 PM tonight for unstable conditions, wind, and low relative humidity, critical fire weather conditions that can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The Heat Advisory continues this week through 10 PM Thursday. Temperatures are trending up today, 96-102 degrees at lower elevation and 87-92 degrees on the ridges. Winds will begin this morning 3-6 mph, increasing to 10-15 mph this afternoon with gusts to 20 mph on ridgetops.

Safety and Closures: The Willamette National Forest implemented the Bedrock Fire Emergency Area Closure on July 24 to ensure the safety of the public and personnel working on the fire. An emergency closure order for the Salmon Fire area is in place as of August 8. The closure maps for the Bedrock and Salmon Fires are available on InciWeb. There are Temporary Flight Restrictions over the Bedrock and Salmon Fire areas. Residential electrical outages can be reported to Lane Electric at 541-484-1151.

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

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

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

Fire Information: (541) 414-6272, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM      Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov