Single Publication

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 11, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.