Single Publication

Willamette Complex North

Daily Update

2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov

Information line: 541-208-1262, 8 am to 8 pm
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024/

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

Inciweb: Willamette Complex North

August 26, 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 slow warming/drying trend will lead to gusty conditions mid-week and above average temperatures and low humidities by week’s end. Firefighters are making access where safely possible, continuing containment line improvements and contingency work. Pockets of heat from dense fuels remain within the fire interior and increased fire behavior will be possible as skies clear, temperatures rise, humidities drop, and fuels begin to dry. 

Ore Fire: 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,147 acres, 25% contained, 659 total personnel, human caused. Overnight, crews continued to patrol and secure containment lines. Today crews are scouting locations for direct hand line construction, mop up, and securing containment lines where possible. Contingency resources will work on fuel break improvements, chipping, masticating, and improving 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.  Unmanned Aerial System flights with infrared detection capabilities confirmed that fires have not crossed any containment lines. 

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 98% contained, 221 total personnel, lightning caused. Recent moisture has helped heavy equipment operators working on grading and improving roads. Roadside fuel hauling and brush chipping is ongoing, and crews continue to secure containment lines and fortify outlying contingency lines. Firefighters continue to strengthen existing fire breaks along roads by removing brush and smaller trees.

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

Numerous 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.

Everyone is reminded to stay out of all fire closures for firefighter and public safety. Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.

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.