Single Publication

Lookout Fire                                                                       

August 24, 2023

Morning Update

Size: 14,286 acres                           

Start Date: August 5, 2023

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 6%

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

Total personnel:   1,118

Resources: 59 engines l 21 crews l 14 bulldozers l 29 water tenders l 11 masticators l 6 helicopters
 

Current Situation:  Fire behavior was active on the Lookout Fire on Wednesday. Warmer, drier conditions fostered successful burning operations on the fire’s west and east flanks. Aided by helicopters and a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) or drone, crews progressed with firing operations designed to strengthen control lines along Mill Creek Road.

Firefighters and heavy equipment contained several spot fires across Deer Creek Road on the fire’s northeast flank. As the main fire progresses to the southeast toward Highway 126, firing operations are being utilized to “stay ahead” of the main fire as it backs down the slope. Dense smoke in this area persisted for most of Wednesday. Critical fire weather is possible today with a chance of thunderstorms this evening.

Motorists are advised to use extra caution in areas of smoke, limited visibility, and fire vehicle traffic.

A community meeting hosted by Northwest Incident Management Team 6 was well attended at McKenzie River High School Wednesday evening and is available to watch on the Lookout Fire Facebook page.

Firefighters forming two structural protection groups remain in place to protect homes effected by the Lookout Fire. Local agency firefighters and law enforcement are patrolling and will maintain a presence in evacuated areas. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) resources left the incident yesterday. OSFM Task Forces assessed 1,023 structures and prepared 560 more for protection while assigned to the Lookout Fire.  OSFM resources remain available to return to the incident should the need arise. 

Evacuation Centers: An evacuation center is in place at Westridge Middle School in Oakridge for evacuees and small pets from the Bedrock and Lookout Fires. A large animal shelter is established at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene. 

Evacuations: In Lane County, there is a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notice for North Bank 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) for areas east of the McKenzie Bridge to, and including Drury Ln. north of Hwy. 126, but south of the McKenzie River, areas north of Hwy. 126 west of the .5 mile mark on Mill Creek Rd. to Blue River Reservoir Rd. at the 1501 junction, Areas north of Hwy. 126 east of the .5 mile mark on Mill Creek Rd. to the east end of Taylor Rd., Taylor Rd., The area south of Hwy 126 to the McKenzie River from the east end of McKenzie River Dr. to the McKenzie River Bridge just east of Taylor Rd., Highway 126 from the Highway 242 junction to Scott Road, Paradise Campground, FS Rd. 302, Belknap Hot Springs Rd., the areas east of Hwy. 126 from Scott Rd. north into Linn County.

There is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for areas south of Hwy. 126 from Blue River Reservoir Rd. east to the east end of McKenzie River Dr, McKenzie River Dr. and areas directly to the south and east, The area south of Hwy 126 from the McKenzie River Bridge just east of Taylor Rd. to Scott Creek Rd, Belknap Springs Rd. S, Hwy 242 to FS Rd. 220, Yale Ln, Camp Yale Rd, FS Rd. 2643 southeast to the 445 spur.

For Lane County evacuation updates visit: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054    

In Linn County, there is a Level 3 (Go Now) from Olallie Campground and the Linn County line, north and west of Highway 126, extending north to Ice Cap Campground and Trailhead at Carmen Reservoir, then west to encompass Lakes End Campground and trail system at Smith Reservoir. Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool is also within this LEVEL 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation Zone

A Level 2 (Be Ready) for the areas of Ice Cap Campground and Trailhead at Carmen Reservoir, north to where Ikenick Creek and Highway 126 intersect, and extending to the east in line with other evacuation boundaries enacted, and west along Highway 126. 

Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation zone for the areas north of where Ikenick Creek and Highway 126 intersect, 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, as well as Fish Lake and Campground. For current information please see Linn County’s website at https://www.linnsheriff.org/

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 at: 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: 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