Single Publication

Bedrock Fire update for Thursday, July 27, 2023

Lowell, Ore. – Yesterday, the Willamette National Forest issued a Forest Closure Order for the area around the Bedrock Fire. All lands, roads, trails, and other recreation sites within the designated area are closed to the public. This closure is to protect the public from the fire as it continues to grow. This also protects fire personnel by reducing traffic on roads and trails which may be in use by equipment and crews working to control the fire.

Information about the closure can be found on the Willamette National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029  and their Facebook page.

The Bedrock Fire had slow progression early Wednesday due to a smoke inversion. As smoke lifted, activity increased and fire continued to spread primarily on the northeast and southwest flanks.  Fire is following the terrain, spreading uphill and up drainages. Similar fire behavior is expected to continue today.

Work continues on developing fire lines along the ridges from Little Cowhorn Mountain to Symbol Rock. On the south and west edges of the fire, heavy equipment and Interagency Hotshot Crews are clearing fuels along roads and old fire lines. As more personnel and equipment arrive at Bedrock Fire, line preparation work will expand to other areas around the fire.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been expanded to the northeast due to growth of the Bedrock Fire. Unmanned aerial systems (AES or drones) are not permitted within the TFR.

WEATHER:  Thursday’s temperatures are expected to reach the upper 70s, with relative humidity dropping to 30 percent. Weather conditions the rest of the week should be similar, with no chance of rain.

SAFETY: Members of the public are encouraged to know the Ready, Set, Go levels and make appropriate preparations. READY your belongings; SET your things at the door or prepack them in your car; GO and leave immediately.

SMOKE:  Smoke from the Bedrock Fire is spreading into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” and possibly “hazardous” conditions. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the smoke. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather.