Single Publication

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 10, 2023

Morning Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 804

Size: 24,468 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 45%

Resources: 33 engines l 16 crews l 7 bulldozers l 28 water tenders l 9 masticators l 5 helicopters l 2 Skidder

Containment grew by 10 percent yesterday as fire crews continue to mop-up and secure lines and reduce the fire’s footprint. Despite warming temperatures not seen since late August, there was generally low fire activity in all corners of the fire.  Helicopters were ordered mid-day to douse hotspots along Carpenter Ridge. This slowed fire activity allowing hotshot crews and heavy equipment to continue connecting  Forest Road 15 with the 1509.  On the east side, burn out operations were held off another day as fuels conditions were unsuitable for burning. Along the river corridor crews continued to mop-up while equipment was backhauled from the area. Smoke levels were elevated in that area.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 141

Size: 756 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 70%

Resources: 11 engines l 3 crews l 2 bulldozers l 5 water tenders l 2 masticators l 2 Excavators

Horse Creek crews produced another containment success story – rising to 70 percent. Repair and rehabilitation work continues on the north and south sides of the canyon. Narrow steep terrain hampers access but fire spread is minimal. Fire managers anticipate a gradual reduction of crews and equipment as containment grows.  

Pothole: Total Personnel: 74    

Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 75%

Resources: 3 engines l 2 crews l 3 water tenders

Containment surged to 75 percent today as firefighters added more containment line. Heat remains in the steep and inaccessible southeast section. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor. Fire managers anticipate a reduction of crews as containment continues to increase.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 230

Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 90%

Resources: 11 engines l 4 crews l 4 bulldozers l 17 water tenders l 7 masticators l 4 helicopters l 1 Skidder

The suppression group caught the last areas of containment on the southside. However, there was no change in overall containment. Suppression repair efforts on the fire are time-consuming due the extent of fire damage, the falling of danger trees and the rugged terrain.  A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been deployed. This group will generate a specific emergency recovery plan that protects human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources. Aerial and ground assessments will begin this coming week.

Weather

Saturday was the warmest day in the last two weeks with temperatures pushing into the mid-80s. Winds remained generally light and diurnally driven. Today will begin with cooler temperatures rising into the mid-70s to 80s, good humidity recoveries, and areas of smoke in valleys and drainages. Additionally, a weak disturbance will pass to the north leading to cooler conditions and slightly higher humidities. Over the coming week, expect cooling and more humid conditions to continue as another weak disturbance moves through the region.

Evacuation Update

Lane County Sheriff is consistently assessing the evacuation levels as firefighters increase containment. Additional information and potential revisions can be found at the following websites.

Lane County Evacuations: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054   

Linn County Evacuations:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/ 

Road 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/   

Forest Closures: The closure order for the Lookout Fire was reduced Sept. 7th due to successful firefighting efforts on the Horse Creek and Pothole Fires. Castle Rock Trailhead, Kings Castle Trailhead, McKenzie Bridge Boat Launch and other recreation sites and trailheads are open. Updated closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest. Visit the Willamette National Forest  Website to view current forest closures. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout fire areas.  

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a The Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another source for air quality information.