Single Publication

Lookout Fire                                                                       

August 20, 2023

Morning Update

Size: 10,521 acres                                      

Start Date: August 5, 2023

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

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel:  959

Resources: 50 engines l 19 crews l 10 bulldozers l 19 water tenders l 6 masticators l 7 helicopters

OSFM Resources: 7 task forces
 

Current Situation: Yesterday, heavy smoke and light winds moderated fire activity allowing firefighters to conduct burnout operations and further strengthen control lines. Today, the fire area is under a Red Flag Warning due to low humidity, relatively high temperatures and wind, which may increase fire activity. The fire continues to move towards the north and northeast. To date, no structures have burned due to the Lookout Fire.

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces continue to prep structures within the Highway 126 corridor, East to Belknap Springs, and in the Scotts Creek area. Crews also prepped vital infrastructure using aluminized wrap. This material is used to protect buildings from radiant heat and embers.

Today’s activities: In the south off Forest Road 700, firefighters have successfully secured control lines, providing an anchor point to the fire protecting Taylor Road and North Bank. Fire personnel will remain in the area extinguishing hot spots and will monitor the fire perimeter. In the west, off Forest Road 2633, crews are continuing preparation and strengthening control lines using targeted strategic firing operations when conditions allow. In the southeast, crews and heavy equipment are working to strengthen control lines. In the north off Forest Road 1508, crews are working into the Deer Creek drainage removing snags, using fallers and heavy equipment.

Structure crews continue to complete tactical patrols around the clock. Tactical patrols are conducted to continually monitor assigned areas for fire danger and address safety issues. Crews will continue to assist wildland resources in keeping the fire above the 700 road, along the southern aspect of the fire perimeter. 

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 Rd., North Bank Rd., all areas north of Highway 126 between Blue River Reservoir Rd. and Drury Ln., the area south of Highway 126 to the McKenzie River from the east end of McKenzie River Dr. to the McKenzie River Bridge just east of Taylor Rd., Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, H.J. Andrews Headquarters and  the area west of Highway 126 from Scott Rd. north into Linn County. There is a Level 2 (Be Set) from Highway 126 from the Highway 242 junction to Scott Rd., Paradise Campground, FS Rd. 302, Belknap Springs Rd. S., Belknap Hot Springs Rd., the area east of Highway 126 from Scott Rd. north into Linn County. 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 Dr., Highway 242 to FS Road. 220, Yale Ln., Camp Yale Road., FS Road. 2643 southeast to the 445 spur road. Residents of Horse Creek Road and King Road remain in a Level 1 evacuation notice. 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 3 (Go Now) for Olallie Campground, Trail Bridge Reservoir & Campground, and the trail systems and roadways north of the Linn County line, and west of Highway 126, extending north to intersection of National Forest Service Road 730 and Highway 126.

A Level 2 (Be Ready) for the area from the east side of Olallie Campground east to the Willamette National Forest Boundary, north along boundary to Ice Cap Campground and Trailhead, then west to encompass Lakes End Campground and trail system, and south in line with the intersection of National Forest Service Road 730 and Highway 126 (entrance to the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric facility). Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool and Smith Reservoir are within this Level 2 (be set) Evacuation Zone.                                                                                        

Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation zone for areas north of Ice Cap Campground, extending east to the Willamette National Forest boundary, and north in line with Highway 20. This includes all areas around Clear Lake, and Clear Lake Campground. 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: A Red Flag warning is in effect for low humidity and gusty winds. 

Closures: Highway 242, McKenzie Highway, is closed between milepost 61-76, 14 miles west of Sisters, Oregon to just east of the junction with Highway 126. 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=fseprd552029Restrictions: 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