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 ; https://www.facebook.com/PyramidFireInfo2024/

Inciweb: Willamette Complex North

August 24, 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:  Widespread wetting rain over the past 48 hours will transition to isolated showers and cool/wet conditions today. Conditions are presenting challenges, but firefighters are making access where safely possible. A slight warming/drying trend is predicted early next week. Pockets of heat remain within the fire interiors and continue to smolder and produce smoke. The lingering effects of recent moisture will continue to moderate fire behavior and fire spread probability. 

Ore Fire: 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,140 acres, 16% contained, 709 total personnel, human caused. Overnight crews continue to patrol and secure containment lines. Day shift crews will scout the viability of direct hand line construction, mop up, and secure containment lines where possible. Contingency resources will work on fuel break improvements, chipping, masticating, and assessing handline construction. Mastication is the process by which machinery is used to cut, chop, and grind vegetation into smaller pieces. 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.  

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 88% contained, 228 total personnel, lightning caused. Roadside wood hauling 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.