Single Publication

Northwest Incident Management Team 12 took command of the Bedrock Fire at 7 PM on Sunday, August 6

Weather: Some cloud cover today is expected to limit warming and drying this afternoon. These clouds will increase later today and will help to moderate fire behavior. Winds are expected to be terrain driven, breezier through the drainages and along ridgetops. Temperatures over the fire area today are forecasted to be 78-82 degrees at lower elevations, and 69-74 degrees on ridges. 

Operations: Yesterday and overnight, the fire was most active on the north and northeast flanks. Small firing operations were used to clear pockets of fuels along control lines, extending and connecting sections of the lines previously completed. Helicopters were dropping water buckets in this area to dampen the fire, providing time for ground resources to complete their work. 

Work on the southern flank of the fire will continue with mopping up and deepening of established control lines. On the southwest side of the fire, several tall green trees fell near established control lines. Crews quickly removed the trees and are patrolling for additional fallen trees. Crews are scouting for opportunities to develop new control lines in the rugged country along the southeastern flank of the fire. 

Northwest Team 12 has been assisting the Willamette National Forest with a new fire start and has taken command of the Salmon Fire, providing air and ground resources for fire suppression. The Salmon Fire was discovered yesterday approximately 3 miles east of Oakridge. This fire is currently burning in heavy timber and is estimated to around 50 to 75 acres in size. 

Smoke:  Smoke has settled over most of the fire area, with air quality remaining in the moderate range or better. Smoke conditions are expected to improve around midday. The new Salmon Fire will bring additional smoke into the Oakridge and Highway 58 corridor, with periods of smoke possibly reaching the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. 

Safety and Closures: The Willamette National Forest implemented the Bedrock Fire Emergency Area Closure on July 24, 2023 to ensure the safety of the public and personnel working on the fire. Copies of the order and accompanying closure map are available on InciWeb. There is a Temporary Flight  Restriction over the Bedrock Fire area. Wildland fires are a “no fly zone” for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T.