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 23, 2024

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 and private timberlands. Firefighters are using a combination of direct fire line where conditions permit, and indirect fire line where it is necessary to work at a distance from the fire’s edge.

CURRENT SITUATION: A forecast of rain today plus the lingering effects of recent moisture will continue to moderate fire behavior, activity, and fire spread probability. A warming and drying trend is expected later this weekend into next week. 

Ore Fire: 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,140 acres, 16% contained, 671 total personnel, human caused. The Ore Fire area received 0.56” of rain last night. Day and night shift resources continue to secure containment lines. Current weather and fuel conditions are too wet for firing operations which would continue to increase the fire perimeter containment percentage. Crews on the northeastern flank will continue to construct and improve containment lines, while crews on the east and west flanks will strengthen existing and create new contingency lines. A contingency line is a secondary or alternate strategic fire line, which is created as a back up to the primary fire line, based on current needs and conditions.    The southwestern and southeastern areas remain solid barriers to fire spread.

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 88% contained, 227 total personnel, lightning caused. The Pyramid Fire area received 0.4-0.6” of rain last night. On the west and northwest flanks, crews continue to build fire line between the fire edge and the wilderness area. Roadside wood and brush chipping is ongoing, and crews continue to secure containment lines and fortify outlying contingency lines.  Firefighters are also working to strengthen existing fire breaks along roads by removing brush and smaller trees to widen a fuel break. 

CLOSURES & FIRE RESTRICTIONS UPDATE:   Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map for current status.  (Please see below).

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect on the Willamette National Forest. 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 long term 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.