Single Publication

August 28, 2023 
Morning Update  

Size: 22,317 acres                              
Start Date: August 5, 2023   
Cause: Lightning   
Containment: 17%  
Point of origin: 3 miles North of McKenzie Bridge, OR  
Total personnel: 986 

Resources: 55 engines l 16 crews l 15 bulldozers l 28 water tenders l 12 masticators l 9 helicopters 

Lookout Fire 

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped moderate fire behavior allowing firefighters to make good progress Sunday. Primary and alternate control lines are being prepared across the northern, western and eastern flanks of the fire to stop further growth beyond those lines. Helicopters were mostly grounded due to smoke but, as conditions allow, are being repositioned to better support ground resources. On the southeast flank, near Belknap Springs, the fire has been slowly backing downhill toward completed containment lines near Highway 126. Across the fire area, Forest system roads are being prepped by tree fallers, fire crews, and heavy equipment, as indirect containment lines.  

Horse Creek Fire 
Size: 616 acres | Start date: August 25, 2023| Cause: Lightning | Containment 0% 

Horse Creek fire is located about five miles southeast of the community of McKenzie Bridge. Fire crews, equipment, and air resources are actively engaged in full suppression efforts in the Horse Creek drainage. Firelines on the north and west edges are holding well. The fire has been moving eastward due to terrain and winds. Some dozer and hand lines have been installed to check eastern fire spread.  

Pothole Fire 
Size: 99 acres| Start Date: August 25, 2023| Cause: Lightning| Containment: 0%  

This start is located about 6.5 miles south of Belknap Springs, near the Three Sisters Wilderness. It is adjacent to a previously burned area which is slowing its rate of spread. Active fire is moving uphill to the west.  

All Fires 
Firefighters and law enforcement officers will maintain a presence in evacuated areas. Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) or drones, are flying through the smoke to provide infrared heat imaging to locate hotspots near control lines. Drones also support firing operations in areas that are hard to access, which reduces risk to firefighters. 

Weather 
The weather forecast for today is similar to yesterday, with slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity due to the incoming onshore flow. Winds from the west may be gusty along ridgetops and where topography aligns with winds. This condition often results in increased fire behavior where winds and drainages align.  

Evacuations:  
Lane County evacuation updates visit: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054    
Linn County evacuation updates visit:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/  

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.  

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 Willamette National Forest has implemented new Forest closures due to the increased fire activity. Closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029 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  

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire