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Bedrock Fire update for Sunday, August 6, 2023

Lowell, Ore. – Northwest Incident Management Team 13 will transfer command of the Bedrock Fire to Northwest Incident Management Team 12 today at 7:00 p.m. Each Incident Management Team is prepared to provide a smooth transition to support the Willamette National Forest with the appropriate resources to meet the needs required to best serve the surrounding communities.

Storm cells passed over the fire footprint the last two days providing a quarter inch of rain. Despite the precipitation, heavy fuels such as logs, stumps and standing dead trees are still considerably drier than normal and are readily available to burn. Warm temperatures continued to facilitate fire growth on Saturday, particularly on the northern portions of the fire perimeter. Firefighters are coordinating with local stakeholders and the Oregon Department of Forestry to continue work on containment for the northern flank of the Bedrock Fire.

The storm cells brought lightning, which caused a new fire. This was quickly put out by Bedrock Fire initial attack crews. Fire personnel will continue to respond to any new starts within the fire area throughout the duration of the incident.

On the east side of the fire, firefighters continued to hold the fire along road systems. The fire has been supported by air resources dropping water to slow progression of the fire. This provides the crews with more time to work on control strategies.

Firefighters continue to strengthen lines to the south after firing operations earlier in the week. Mop up operations are extending deeper into the fire footprint from the perimeter, extinguishing remaining hotspots. Fire resources are connecting roads, old control lines from previous fires, and newly constructed fire lines to create a secure barrier to prevent further spread to the south.

WEATHER: Today is expected to be partly sunny with highs around 80 degrees and a 5% chance of rain from residual clouds. Temperatures are expected to remain moderate before a warming trend begins later this week. No rain is in the forecast for later this week.

SAFETY: Watch out for heavy traffic this weekend. Be careful with any source of open flames and equipment that may create sparks during hot, dry, and windy weather. Most wildfires are caused by humans, not lightning.

SMOKE:  Smoke from the Bedrock Fire will continue to spread into central Oregon. Smoke patterns may shift more to the south and east in the coming days.