Single Publication

Lookout, Bedrock Petes Lake, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires
Friday, September 29, 2023 - Morning Update

 

Lookout Fire: Size: 25,751 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 50%

Bedrock Fire: Size: 31,590 acres | Start Date: July 22 l Cause: Under Investigation l Containment: 98%

Petes Lake Fire: Size: 3,254 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Completion: 80%

Horse Creek Fire: Size: 763 acres | Start Date: August 24 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Pothole Fire: Size: 109 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Total Assigned Personnel: 521 | 15 engines | 12 crews | 2 dozers | 4 water tenders | 1 masticator | 2 helicopters

(Walterville, Ore.) – As emergency closure orders change, the public is advised to remain cautious and vigilant when entering these areas. Hazards may be present, such as loose debris and falling trees, especially around trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail on Petes Lake Fire, where fire has affected the landscape. Significant work is still underway, especially along roadways. Be aware and considerate of the ongoing suppression repair activities and potential risks.

Suppression Repair: Fire activity remains minimal as interior fuels smolder within the established containment lines. Post-containment, suppression repair becomes crucial. The aim now is to rehabilitate disturbed areas, reduce the risk of future fire and restore the landscape for public use and ecological health.  This involves naturalizing hand and dozer lines, removing woody debris and stabilizing soil to prevent erosion. Today’s rainfall may hinder efforts due to concerns for safety and damage to wet surfaces. The work to rehabilitate these areas will be extensive and ongoing, as weather permits. 

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER): Similar to the BAER assessment on the Bedrock Fire, an Emergency Response Team of resource specialists began field surveys and assessments for the burned areas of the Lookout, Pothole, and Horse Creek fires yesterday. The team will inventory critical values, assess risk and determine the need for emergency measures and treatments on the Forest. For more information and updates regarding this BAER team’s assessment, follow the Willamette National Forest Facebook and the Lookout Fire Facebook.

Weather: Light rain will continue over the fire area throughout today and possibly into Saturday morning, with minimal winds. A drying trend is predicted to move into the area over the weekend. Temperatures will remain consistent, with highs in the lower 60s and overnight lows into the 40s.

Forest Closures: The Willamette National Forest adjusted closure orders related to the Lookout Fire today. There are no longer emergency closures in place from the Petes Lake Fire. For updated fire closures and maps please visit the Willamette National Forest Official Website. Current emergency closure orders on National Forest System lands may affect some hunting units. For specific hunting related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000.

Restrictions: Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Willamette National Forest rescinded public use (fire) restrictions, lowered the fire danger level to “low” and reduced the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to IFPL I on Wednesday. Last Friday, the Deschutes National Forests dropped public use (fire) restrictions. Temporary Flight Restrictions over the Petes Lake Fire have been lifted, but others remain in place.