Single Publication

Lowell, Ore. – The Bedrock Fire continued to spread yesterday, with much of the growth in the Hehe and Andy creek drainages, and along Fall Creek toward the east. The fire progressed slower where there is less fuel, including in the 2021 Gales Fire perimeter.  Similar growth and fire activity is expected today.

Additional personnel and equipment continue to arrive at the Bedrock Fire. These reinforcements, which include both engines and hand crews, have allowed fire managers to insert resources into areas east of the fire. Firefighters are identifying locations where fire lines can be established with both a likelihood of success and a low risk of serious injury to firefighters.

Firefighters are constructing fire line along ridges which offers a greater chance of stopping the fire while reducing risk and hazards. Ridgelines often have less vegetation and may have ground gentle enough for bulldozers and other heavy equipment. A line across the middle of a steep slope is much more likely to have fire push across it than one along a ridgeline. The hazards of falling trees and rolling or sliding logs are much greater when constructing a fire line across a steep slope, endangering personnel.

WEATHER:  Saturday will be another sunny, dry day, with high temperatures around 80 degrees and relative humidity dropping to 30 to 35 percent. Similar weather conditions are expected into next week.

SAFETY: Willamette National Forest has issued a Forest Closure Order for the area around the Bedrock Fire. Please stay out of the closure area for your safety and the safety of fire personnel. Unmanned aerial systems (AES or drones) are not permitted within the Temporary Flight Restriction.

SMOKE:  Smoke from the Bedrock Fire will continue to spread into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” conditions. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the smoke.