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Bedrock Fire update for Thursday, August 3, 2023

Lowell, Ore. – Yesterday, Bedrock Fire managers hosted 50 people at a public meeting at McKenzie High School to provide updates and answer questions. A general timeline of the fire was discussed, focusing on operational detail to address firefighting activity.

Fire managers routinely assign available firefighting personnel and supplies based on terrain, weather, smoke impacts, resources at risk, and above all safety of the public and fire crews. At times, firefighters can directly engage the fire front, while at other times they must build containment lines farther ahead of the oncoming fire. Yesterday, much of the effort continued to be focused on the northern and western flanks.

Yesterday, conditions and terrain allowed for fire retardant to be dropped along the ridge west of Jones Creek drainage.  Retardant slows progression of the fire, which assists firefighters on the ground to establish handline and provide containment.

Weather forecast models show temperatures will be increasing slightly and humidity levels fluctuating in the coming days. This weather pattern, in combination with fuels that are already dry, will increase activity both on the perimeter and interior of the Bedrock Fire. The fire will largely push up slopes to the north northeast in Jones Creek drainage and towards Fawn Rock. More smoke will likely be produced than during the past few days. On Friday, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms in the area which will potentially create erratic winds.

WEATHER:  Warmer and drier weather is expected today. High temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-80s, with minimum relative humidity dropping below 30 percent. Warm weather is expected to continue through the week, with increasing cloud cover.

SAFETY: As temperatures remain high, humidity low, with no precipitation, it is critical that everyone use safe practices when recreating outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfires. Know local fire restrictions before starting a campfire or cooking stove. Keep vehicles off dry grass. Make sure chains aren’t dragging when towing. Ensure all gas-powered equipment is in good working order.

SMOKE:  Smoke from the Bedrock Fire will continue to spread into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” conditions. Smoke from the Flat Fire and other fires is also impacting many areas.