Single Publication

Willamette Complex North
Daily Update

2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov
Information line: 541-208-1262, 8 am to 8 pm
Facebook: facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024
Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov
August 21, 2024

This morning, command of the Willamette Complex North (Pyramid and Ore fires) transferred to Northwest Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 7, Chris Orr, Incident Commander.

SPECIAL NOTE: State Route OR-126 will be closed for 48 hours from 7 a.m. 8/20 through 7 a.m. 8/22 for road repaving from mile marker 13 to 19.8. This will impact travel to and east of Belknap Springs. OR-20 and OR-58 are recommended as full detours around the closure; vehicles over 35 feet long are not allowed on OR-242.  

CURRENT SITUATION: Conditions will be slightly cooler with higher humidity today leading to reduced fire spread probability, with increased chances of a wetting rain late today and into Thursday night. A drying trend is expected to begin over the weekend.

Ore Fire: Blue River, 3,147 Acres, 14% Contained, 571 Total Personnel, Human Caused. Overnight resources continued to secure containment lines. Current weather and fuel conditions do not support the additional firing operations required to complete securing the fire perimeter. Crews on the northeastern flank will continue to construct and improve containment lines. The southwestern and southeastern flanks remain a solid anchor for the fire. 

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 82% Contained, 355 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused. On the west and northwest of the fire, work continues on the shaded fuel break, roadside brush chipping, and removal of fire fuels and woody debris. Crews continue to secure containment lines and clean up contingency lines.   

EVACUATIONS CLOSURES, & FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Update 8/19/2024: The Linn County Sheriff's Department cancelled the Level 3 evacuation order on August 19, 2024. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map for current status.  Areas within the rescinded Evacuation Order remain closed under the Pyramid Fire Area Closure Order (see below).

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect on the Willamette National Forest. The Pyramid Fire closure area was reduced on August 19. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. Please see Pyramid Fire Area Closure Forest Order and the Ore Fire Area Closure Forest Order.

Due to hot and dry conditions, 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.

ROADS:  When traveling in the area, please be mindful of firefighters and their vehicles working near roads. Please visit the Oregon Department of Transportation website for current road conditions.