Single Publication

Lookout Fire Quick Facts

Size: 195 acres                                             

Start Date:  August 5, 2023

Point of Origin: 3 miles North of McKenzie Bridge, OR

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel: 235

Resources: 3 Engines, 7 crews, 3 bulldozers, 3 water tenders, 3 helicopters

Current Situation: Today at 6:00 am, the Lookout Fire transitioned from Nevada Team 1, a Type 3 Incident Management Team, to Northwest Team 6, a Type 2 Incident Management Team. The Lookout Fire is burning in an area of Lookout Mountain with old growth trees and thick, dense brush. The fire was less active overnight. Fire managers have assessed the area and deemed that due to steep slopes with rolling materials, inaccessibility, and exposure to snags, it is safer for firefighters to pursue an indirect suppression strategy.  Implementing an indirect suppression strategy means firefighters will be able to use strategies like using ridges, roads, and heavy machinery to have a greater chance of success in keeping the fire as small as possible as conditions change.

Today’s activities: Firefighters have scouted and identified areas around the fire that provide for safety and have a high probability of success to engage with the fire. Crews are continuing to construct fireline while also removing small trees and brush along existing roadways surrounding the fire. Aviation will continue to be used to slow the progression of the fire. Smoke may be more prevalent in the next few days with reg flag conditions predicted.  These weather conditions could also contribute to more active fire behavior.

Evacuations: There is level one (be ready) evacuation in place for residents on Taylor and North Bank Roads Please monitor Lane County Sheriff’s website for current information at: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054

Weather: Temperatures are expected to be around 90 degrees.  A red flag warning is in effect from Sunday at 12pm to Monday at 8pm for east winds and low humidity, and high temperatures.

Closures: The Willamette National Forest has issued a closure order for areas surrounding the Lookout Fire. The order can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette

Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook

Information Line: 541-215-6735 8am-8pm

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov                                          

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

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