Single Publication

Lookout, Bedrock, Petes Lake, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires
Sunday, October 8, 2023 - Morning Update – 9:00 a.m.

Lookout Fire - Size: 25,754 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 60%

Bedrock Fire - Size: 31,590 acres | Start Date: July 22 l Cause: Under Investigation l Containment: 100%

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: 298 | 4 engines | 5 crews | 1 dozer | 2 water tenders

(Walterville, Ore.) – Hot and dry conditions caused fuels smoldering in the fire’s interior to intensify and produce visible smoke in some areas. In addition, new areas of heat were spotted near control lines and quickly extinguished by firefighters. Suppression repair work on the eastern portion of the Lookout Fire is nearing completion. Backhauling of equipment continues across the Lookout and Bedrock fires. 

Patrolling and monitoring are essential components in the later stages of a fire management plan. When fires burn in remote areas where the risk to life and property is minimal and loss is not a direct concern, personnel will monitor fire behavior and respond as needed.  Fire managers are monitoring the Petes Lake Fire.  Crews patrol control lines to suppress spot fires and extinguish overlooked hot spots. Resources have been patrolling the Lookout, Bedrock and Horse Creek Fires since the fires were brought under control. 

Weather:  It will continue to be warm and dry until Monday when temperatures decrease and humidity increases. As much as one inch of rain is expected to fall over the fire area beginning Monday and continuing into Wednesday.

Forest Closures: Established closures on the Willamette National Forest remain in place around fire-impacted areas, including the Lookout and Bedrock Fires. The public is urged to “Know Before You Go” by visiting the Willamette National Forest official webpage. For specific hunting-related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000. 

Safety:  Some fire-impacted areas remain closed as critical suppression repair work continues. The public is asked to exercise caution along roadways around the fire. Drivers should be extra vigilant along Forest Road 15 between Highway 126 and Highway 20, where crews and heavy equipment are traveling and engaging in suppression repair work.