Single Publication

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 11, 2023 - Morning Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 764 | Size: 24,518 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 50%

Resources: 31 engines l 13 crews l 5 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 5 masticators l 5 helicopters l 2 Skidder

A five percent growth in containment marks continued improvement to the fire’s perimeter. On the east side, a tightened contingency line developed over the last 10 days is nearing completion. In the southeast corner, crews have secured the containment line along the Hwy. 126 corridor as it travels north.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 105 |Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 90%

Resources: 7 engines l 2 crews l 2 bulldozers l 3 water tenders l 2 masticators l 2 Excavators | 2 Skidder

Horse Creek is at 90 percent containment. Suppression efforts, consistent patrol and monitoring were factors in the rise of containment. An Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight flown Sunday revealed that heat remains in the interior, but no heat threatens the containment line. 

Pothole: Total Personnel: 34 |Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 85% Resources: 2 engines l 2 water tenders | Masticator | 1 Skidder

Pothole is at 85 percent containment. The steady rise in containment is credited to suppression efforts and consistent patrol and monitoring. An Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight revealed that heat remains in the interior, but no heat threatens the containment line. 

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 195 | Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 90%

Resources: 11 engines l 4 crews l 2 bulldozers l 16 water tenders l 6 masticators l 4 helicopters l 1 Skidder

North and south suppression repair continued at a steady pace Sunday. Fire managers are working to redistribute crews and equipment to speed up suppression work. Suppression repair work occurring on all fires in the McKenzie River drainage will yield significant safety benefits for the forest users, firefighters and workers. These efforts will prevent roads from washing out, reduce future fuel loading and provide protections for stream health, and other forest resources. 

All Fires: Work continues in coordination with Resource Advisors (READS). They are natural resource professionals who contribute to the fire suppression rehabilitation plan. Their input assures valuable resources such as trees, wildlife habitat and other natural resources are closely monitored and protected during suppression repair activities.  Suppression repair work occurring on all fires will yield significant safety benefits for the forest users, firefighters and workers. These efforts will prevent roads from washing out, reduce future fuel loading and provide protections for stream health, and other forest resources.

Weather

A cooling trend will continue Monday and into Tuesday. Winds will be mostly light, and terrain driven, with some localized gusts of around 15 mph. There will also be an increase in cloud cover overnight as additional weak disturbances move through the area. This cooling trend will continue into Tuesday as we continue to be under the influence of onshore flow. Warmer temperatures are anticipated about mid-week with potential to become elevated fire conditions late in the week.

Evacuation Update

Lane County Sheriff is consistently assessing the evacuation levels as firefighters increase containment. Additional information and potential revisions can be found at the following websites.

Lane County Evacuations: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054   

Linn County Evacuations:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/ 

Road Closures:

Highway 242, McKenzie Highway, is closed between milepost 61-76, 14 miles west of Sisters, Oregon to just east of the junction with Highway 126. Highway 126 is currently open. Please monitor Trip Check for any updates at: https://tripcheck.com/   

Forest Closures: The closure order for the Lookout Fire was reduced Sept. 7th due to successful firefighting efforts on the Horse Creek and Pothole Fires. Castle Rock Trailhead, Kings Castle Trailhead, McKenzie Bridge Boat Launch and other recreation sites and trailheads are open. Updated closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest. Visit the Willamette National Forest  Website to view current forest closures. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout fire areas.  

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a The Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another source for air quality information.