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SUPPRESSION OBJECTIVES: The Ore Fire and the Pyramid Fire remain under a full suppression strategy to protect values at risk, including the Middle Santiam Wilderness, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, and private timberlands. Firefighters are building direct fire line where possible, and strategic indirect contingency line as needed. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Today a new Incident Management Team, California Team 13, assumed command of the Willamette Complex North fires and will maintain the existing strategy and tactics utilized by Northwest Team 7. Team 13 had previously served as the incident command team on this fire and is familiar with the terrain and challenges of fighting these fires. Hotter and drier weather will move into the area over the next few days. This change in weather will both lead to an increase in fire behavior and make dry fine fuels receptive, providing an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations to enhance containment lines.   

Ore Fire: 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,296 acres, 42% contained, 647 total personnel, human caused. Containment of the fire increased by 2% yesterday and fuels reduction work continued at a brisk tempo. Firefighters finished burning operations in the previously unburned Waterfall Creek drainage, which will help reduce the threat of fire spread beyond current containment lines. Night crews will continue to patrol and look for opportunities to take direct action, secure, and mop up as conditions allow. Chipping and processing of fuels progresses throughout the contingency lines.  

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 98% contained, 239 total personnel, lightning caused. Fuels reduction work will continue as firefighters remove fuels from the fire line and construct contingency lines that will prevent the possible spread as temperatures increase and fire behavior increases later in the week.

Safety: Please drive carefully and at a reasonable speed. Heavy equipment and large trucks will be moving down local roads and highways as part of our fuel reduction work and firefighters will be driving to the fire line for our operations.

CLOSURES & FIRE RESTRICTIONS UPDATE:  Willamette National Forest closures for all fires can be found here: Willamette National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)  Specific closure maps for the Pyramid Fire can be found here. Specific closure maps for the Ore Fire can be found here.

Everyone is reminded to stay out of all fire closures for firefighter and general safety. Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. All campfires, charcoal fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited, including in developed campgrounds and wilderness areas. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed. Please see Forest Order 06-18-00-24-27 for additional information.