Single Publication

Lookout Fire                                                                       

August 16, 2023

Morning Update

Size: 3,710                                       

Start Date: August 5, 2023

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

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel:  584

Resources: 47 engines l 9 crews l 9 bulldozers l 18 water tenders l 4 masticators l 4 helicopters

OSFM Resources: 8 task forces
 

Current Situation: The Lookout Fire has moved north toward Lookout Creek but has not crossed it. Strategic firing operations on Forest Service Road 700 were successful and the fire is still north of the road. Heavy smoke moderated temperatures and fire activity yesterday. Smoky conditions are expected today with the possibility of lifting with west winds. If smoke clears, fire activity has the potential to increase.

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) resources were joined by one California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) task force yesterday, bringing the total number of structural task forces operating on the fire to eight. Task forces continued surface preparation, triage of structures, and conducted overnight patrols along the 700 road to monitor the fire. Crews also completed preparations on the HJ Andrews Forest Compound, including sprinkler installations and vegetation clearing.

Today’s activities: Crews will be working to connect primary control lines in the west using heavy machinery to improve roads and by digging hand line. Firefighters will be securing the 700 road by extinguishing hot spots where firing operations occurred. Crews have been preparing control lines in the north and are almost complete with this work. To the east crews are prepared for west winds and ready to engage the fire if smoke clears increasing activity. In the southeast firefighter personnel are strategizing on places to utilize firing operations to slow fire growth and secure the southern containment lines.

Today OSFM crews will continue preparations on structures, including Belknap Bridge. Task forces will continue to support wildland resources as needed.

COMMUNITY MEETING: Thursday, August 17, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m., In-person at McKenzie High School, 51187 Blue River Dr, Vida, OR 97488 and virtually on Facebook.

Evacuation Centers: There is an evacuation center for people and small pets at the Lowell High School for evacuees from the Bedrock and Lookout Fires. A large animal shelter is being set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.

Evacuations: There is a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for

• Taylor Road
• North Bank Road
• All areas north of Highway 126 between Blue River Reservoir Road and Drury Lane
• Mona Campground
• Lookout Campground
• HJ Andrews Experimental Forest headquarters

There is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for

• Areas south of Highway 126 from Blue River Reservoir Road east to Foley Ridge Road
• McKenzie River Drive

For current information please see Lane County’s website at: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054

Weather: Smoke has the possibility of lifting today with west winds 5-10 mph. A possibility of thunderstorms.

Closures: Highway 126 is currently open please monitor Trip check for any updates https://tripcheck.com/.  Willamette National Forest closures 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 Outlook:  August 16-17 - Heavy smoke has drifted into Central Oregon overnight. HAZARDOUS air quality is being seen in Sisters and VERY UNHEALTHY to UNHEALTHY levels in the Redmond and Bend areas. McKenzie and areas closer to the fire will continue to see high smoke impacts in the UNHEALTHY to HAZARDOUS ranges. The Willamette Valley is seeing improving conditions with only light smoke impacts expected. A slight chance for thunderstorm activity may create short term significant changes in smoke impacts. https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a?

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