Single Publication

SPECIAL NOTE

There will be a community meeting for the Willamette Complex North Saturday, August 17th at 11 a.m. The meeting will take place at the McKenzie High School (new gym) located at 51187 Blue River Dr, Finn Rock, OR 97488.

CURRENT SITUATION

Cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and greater smoke/cloud coverage is expected to contribute to a decrease in fire behavior today.  The Ore and Pyramid fires continue to be managed for full suppression. 

Ore Fire

Blue River, 2,864 Acres, 12% Contained, 147 Total Personnel, Cause Under Investigation

Yesterday, crews continued to evaluate opportunities to conduct burnout operations along the northern flank of the fire—with the goal of inhibiting fire growth beyond the 1509 and 827 Roads.  Night crews observed minimal activity on the southern end of the fire and established a perimeter around a spot fire to the north, where more active fire behavior was observed.  Today, crews will continue to secure the spot fire, before evaluating opportunities to continue firing operations. Crews and heavy equipment across the Ore Fire will continue to prepare indirect lines, patrol the fire perimeter, suppress flare-ups or hot spots, and secure threats to the line by removing trees, snags, and other fuels. 

Pyramid Fire

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,323 Acres, 73% Contained, 223 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

Crews and heavy equipment continue to hold and improve fire lines, patrol the fire perimeter, and conduct mop up. Pockets of intense and scattered heat continue to be identified by infrared technology. 

Weather & Fire Behavior

A strong pulse of moisture this morning will greatly influence the forecast.  Predicted maximum temperature is 70 to 74 °F in the valleys and 66 to 70 °F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is 54 to 60% in the valleys and 64 to 70% on the ridgetops.  Weather conditions are expected to result in a decrease in fire behavior today, however, heavy dead and down fuels continue to hold heat.  For smoke and air quality conditions visit: AirNow.gov 

Evacuations, Closures & Fire Restrictions

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit linnsheriff.org/. 

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

Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487. 

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. 

For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.