Single Publication

Lookout Fire                                                                       

August 18, 2023

Morning Update

Size: 5,537 acres                                      

Start Date: August 5, 2023

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

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel:  921

Resources: 46 engines l 20 crews l 9 bulldozers l 16 water tenders l 4 masticators l 6 helicopters  OSFM Resources: 7 task forces
 

Current Situation: The fire continues to stay north of Forest Road 700.  The successful work from firefighters conducting strategic firing operations is protecting the community of Mckenzie Bridge, including Taylor Road and North Bank. The fire continues to be most active in the northeast where a spot fire burned and spread across the 1506 road in Budworm Creek. To date no structures have burned because of the Lookout Fire.

Today’s activities: In the northeast crews have started preparing Deer Creek Road to use as a control line. Firefighters will continue to hold the fire north of the 700 Road by extinguishing hot spots. In the west and northwest, line is being built and secured by digging handline and using heavy machinery to connect primary control lines. Crews are connecting the 2633 Road to the 725 Spur Road to prevent fire spread to the west. Strategic firing operations maybe utilized in the east if conditions allow.

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces have completed surface preparation work and moved into full preparations on structures, expanding upon earlier work to improve defensible space. Preparation techniques are reliant on time, resources, and fire conditions. The presence of adequate resources ensured the quick and effective completion of surface preparations, allowing crews to transition to more detailed prep work today. Their hard work and efficiency are allowing us to de-mob two task forces today. The Lane County and Deschutes Task Forces will be returning to their home agencies. We would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment to protecting structures and serving the affected communities.

 Day shift crews also completed preparations on the Belknap Bridge yesterday afternoon. Protection of this historical landmark included the installation of a stand alone sprinkler system, fed by a mobile water reservoir and a portable pump. Night shift crews completed tactical patrols and positioned for structural protection. 

 Today, task forces will continue to ensure thorough structural preparation work is completed, using a combination of techniques to reduce receptive fuels and vegetation around buildings. Crews will complete tactical patrols and assist wildland resources as needed. 

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 set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.

Evacuations: In Lane County, 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, and 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, and McKenzie River Drive. For current information please see Lane County’s website at: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054

In Linn County, there is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for Highway 126 just north of Ice Cap Campground, west to include all of Smith Reservoir (including Lakes End Campground). Then extending south between Lakes End Campground and Highway 126, to the McKenzie Bridge/Frissell Boat Launch. For current information please see Linn County’s website at: https://www.linnsheriff.org/2023/08/lookout-fire-update-august-17-2023-330-p-m/

Weather: On shore flows brought higher humidity overnight and lighter winds are expected today with temperatures in the 80s.

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:  Smoke outlooks for Lookout Fire are available at  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