Single Publication

SPECIAL NOTE

There will be a community meeting for the Willamette Complex North tomorrow—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

Warmer, drier conditions, and thinning smoke is expected to contribute to an increase in fire behavior today.  As fire crews time out and travel home for much-needed rest and recovery, replacement crews and equipment continue to arrive.

Ore Fire

Blue River, 2,945 Acres, 12% Contained, 206 Total Personnel, Cause Under Investigation

Yesterday, crews continued patrol and mop up across all divisions, as well as suppression of a spot fire on the northern flank.  Night crews observed minimal activity on the southern perimeter and conducted burnout operations to add depth to existing containment lines in the north.  Infrared flights continue to show pockets of intense and scattered heat.  Today, crews will 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. Crews and heavy equipment across the Ore Fire will continue to prepare secondary 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, 243 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

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

Weather & Fire Behavior

Much warmer and drier conditions are expected compared to yesterday, with a trough helping to thin smoke early in the morning. Predicted maximum temperature is 78 to 82 °F in the valleys and 74 to 78 °F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is 38 to 44% in the valleys and 44 to 50% on the ridgetops.  Weather conditions are expected to contribute to an increase in fire behavior.  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.