Single Publication

Willamette Complex North Update

Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, 374 and Pyramid Fires

Fire Update for Tuesday, September 24 through Wednesday, September 25, 2024 

Fire updates will be provided for a two-day operational period.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-north-willamette-complex 

Willamette Complex North Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565845313387 

Email: 2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov 

Information line: 541-208-1262 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Overview: Shifting winds have the potential to bring down fire-weakened trees in the fire areas today. Please avoid entering the fire closure areas. Warmer and drier conditions are predicted for today with temperatures reaching the 80s in the fire areas and up to 90 in the valleys. Wind gusts could reach 25 mph, which could facilitate fire spread between heavy fuels and down logs where areas of heat remain in the interior of the fire areas. Fuel moistures should limit fire activity to smoldering and wind-driven spread. Firefighters are prepared for this change in weather and will address any increased fire activity and hold fire containment lines. There may be an increase in smoke today. Wednesday is expected to bring increased humidity and cooler temperatures. 

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: An adjusted closure order for the Pyramid Fire was signed yesterday, reducing the closed area and allowing additional recreation and hunting opportunities within the Middle Santiam Wilderness. Forest officials are continually evaluating closure orders and will adjust as conditions allow. Other fire-related closures remain in place on the McKenzie River Ranger District, as well as on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the immediate fire operations area for public and firefighter safety. Please respect and avoid all closed areas of the national forest. Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd552029

Boulder Creek: 523 acres, 34% contained Located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Crews are gridding and mopping up to extinguish areas of heat in the interior of the fire and are continuing to masticate and chip vegetative materials along the containment lines. Fire activity is expected to be minimal with creeping, smoldering, and consumption of interior heavy fuels. 

Ore: 3,484 acres, 80% contained Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River. Firefighters are focusing on suppression repair within the fire area and backhauling firefighting equipment and hose. Last night’s infrared imaging showed minimal heat only in the interior of the fire. Fire behavior may pick up in some interior pockets, but minimal growth is expected. 

Pyramid: 1,312 Acres, 100% contained East of Middle Santiam Wilderness. This fire is now fully contained. Crews are continuing with suppression repairs on trails and working with heavy equipment. Fire activity is predicted to remain minimal. 

374: 62 acres, 0% contained and Linton Creek: 1,309 acres, 0% contained Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Wind gusts are predicted for ridgetops in these fire areas. These fires are showing scattered heat but are adjacent to natural barriers and previous fire scars. Fire activity could increase with today’s weather and some wind-driven fire spread is possible. These fires will be monitored with additional suppression actions taken if needed. Increased smoke production is expected. 

Road Closures: OR-242 remains closed to all traffic between the intersection with OR-126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75). For current road conditions, please check Oregon Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.tripcheck.com/