Single Publication

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 16, 2023 - Morning Fire Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 756 | Size: 24,692 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 50%

Resources: 25 engines l 13 crews l 4 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 7 masticators l 4 helicopters l 2 skidders

Fire activity increased Friday with temperatures in the low 90s and lower humidities. As a result, there was more smoke in the area until the inversion lifted in the early afternoon. Today’s forecast of hot and dry weather will again result in increased fire behavior. Firefighters are holding the containment lines. Alternate containment lines are being prepped along the northwestern edge of the fire, and small-scale burnout operations are being conducted to remove fuels between roads and the main fire. Containment lines to the north are being improved. Air operations will be active in supporting firefighters on the ground with water drops. Air resources assisted on Pete’s Lake Fire in an effort to slow down the fire’s progression in the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 60 |Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 96%

Resources: 4 engines l 1 crew l 1 bulldozer l 2 water tenders l 2 fellerbunchers l 1 excavator | 1 skidder

Firefighters are holding and securing containment lines on the west, north and south sides of the fire. Pockets of heat in the interior portions of the fire are being monitored by engines and crews who are patrolling the fire area. Resources have shifted to more suppression repair activities.

Pothole: Total Personnel: 16 |Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 90% Resources: 1 engine l 1 water tender | 1 excavator

Pothole Fire is in a similar status as Horse Creek with ongoing patrolling and monitoring of containment lines. Crews are continuing chipping operations, and will begin the process of removing woody material from roadsides and fire lines.  

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 116 | Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 97%

Resources: 5 engines l 3 crews l 3 water tenders l 3 masticators l 4 excavator l 1 skidder

On the Bedrock Fire, fires continue to burn slowly in the interior portions of the fire that remain inaccessible due to steep terrain. Patrols looking for smoke or heat continue on the northside. On the southside, firefighters spent the shift patrolling and mopping up to ensure no heat exists along the containment line, and mitigating hazards so that repair work can be done safely. Dozer line repair work is also underway.

Weather

Yesterday, an inversion layer broke later in the day than expected and contributed to smoke in the area until mid-afternoon. Today will be the last very hot and dry day with light terrain driven winds. As a result, like yesterday, increased fire behavior and smoke are forecast. Smoke from not only the Lookout Fire, but also other fires, such as Pete’s Lake and the Smith’s River Complex in northern California are contributing the smoke in the area.

Evacuation Update

Linn County Evacuations: For the Lookout Fire, a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice is in place. For more information visit the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for a map and updated information: https://www.linnsheriff.org/wildfire_live_updates.

Lane County Evacuations: There are no evacuation notices on the Bedrock Fire.  However, on the Lookout Fire, Horse Creek Road east of the Horse Creek Bridge remains in Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice. Specific guidance on evacuation level locations around the Lookout Fire can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LookoutFire. 

Forest Closures: The closure order for the Lookout Fire was reduced on September 7. Updated closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574.  Hunting season is here, please be aware of these closures. Closures are initiated to keep the public and firefighters safe while hazards are mitigated. For more information on hunting, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife @ (503)947-6000 or https://myodfw.com

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.   

Lookout Information Line: 541-215-6735 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire  

Bedrock Fire Information: 541-414-6272 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire