Single Publication

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Morning Update  

Current Status: 

Lookout Fire: Size: 25,751 acres l Start Date: August 5 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 50%  Bedrock Fire: Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 98%
Petes Lake Fire: Size: 3,254 acres l Start Date: August 25 l Cause: Lightning l Completion: 80%
Horse Creek Fire: Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 100%
Pothole Fire: Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 100%  

Total Personnel: 583 

Total Assigned Resources: 16 engines l 16 crews l 2 dozers l 4 water tenders l 3 masticators l 2 helicopters   

This will be the final update for the Lookout, Bedrock, Petes Lake, Horse Creek, and Pothole Fires from Pacific Northwest Team 2 (PNW2). At 6:00 p.m. today, Northwest Team 10 (NW10) will assume command of these fires.   

Suppression Repair: With suppression efforts coming to a close, the restoration of areas impacted by construction of fire line has become the main focus for firefighters. Resources are continuing to utilize chippers to process debris and vegetation left over from suppression efforts, and are working to transport trees and logs away from the fire area. Large amounts of woody debris were created in the process of suppressing these fires. The removal of this woody debris is as important and almost as extensive of an operation as the suppression efforts that create them. 

On the Bedrock, Lookout, and Horse Creek Fires, 230 points containing large amounts of “slash” from suppression activities have been cleared. In some instances, one point could consist of a large deck of logs or an extensive pile of brush and debris, requiring a coordinated effort of resources to remove. The removal of this byproduct of fire suppression creates areas that are once again suitable for various uses including public recreation. This cleanup effort also renders these areas much less susceptible to future fire impact, helping to remove large concentrations of potential fuel. Although fire suppression efforts have concluded, firefighters accomplishing suppression repair activities will continue to work throughout the area. Please use increased caution when driving on the Highway 126 corridor and be aware of fire traffic for both your safety and the safety of the firefighters. 

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER): Similar to the BAER Team assessment of the Bedrock Fire, a team of resource specialists will begin the assessment of the Lookout Fire today, with field work starting on Thursday. At the conclusion of their assessment, a report and maps will be released following the analysis of their findings – similar to the products developed for the Bedrock Fire on September 21.  

Weather: Wetting rain was present over the fire area on Monday night with up to a half inch reported. There was little rain reported over the fire on Tuesday, with a slight increase in temperatures from Monday. Overnight showers are not expected to carry on into Wednesday, with a 30 percent chance of precipitation predicted throughout the day. Temperatures will remain somewhat consistent with highs in the lower 60s and overnight lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s. 

Evacuations: Evacuations for the Bedrock, Lookout, Horse Creek, Pothole, and Petes Lake Fires have been lifted. There are no evacuations notices in place within Lane, Linn, or Deschutes Counties for these fires currently.  

Forest Closures: Emergency closure orders remain in place for the Willamette National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest. Current emergency closure orders on National Forest System lands affect some hunting units. A map showing which units are affected by the Lookout Fire and the associated closure order is available on InciWeb. For specific hunting related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000. 

Restrictions: Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Willamette National Forest will rescind public use (fire) restrictions, lower the fire danger level to “low”, and reduce the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to IFPL I on Wednesday. Last Friday, the Deschutes National Forests dropped public use (fire) restrictions. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout Fire areas. 

Smoke Outlook: With a decrease in fire activity, smoke outlooks for these fires are no longer being issued. Air quality conditions are still available at airnow.gov. 

Fire Information: 

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov 

Phone: 541-215-6735 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.) 

Facebook:  

• Lookout, Horse Creek, and Pothole Fires 
• Bedrock Fire 
• Petes Lake Fire 

InciWeb:  

• Lookout Fire 
• Horse Creek Fire (includes Pothole Fire) 
• Bedrock Fire 
• Petes Lake Fire