Single Publication

Willamette Complex North

Ore & Pyramid Fires

Incident Update

Date:  Sunday, August 18, 2024

SPECIAL NOTE

State Route OR-126 is expected to be closed for 48 hours from 7 a.m. 8/20 through 7 a.m. 8/22 for road repaving from mile marker 13 to 19.8. This will impact travel East of Belknap Springs. OR-20 and OR-58 are recommended as full detours around the closure; vehicles over 35 feet long are not allowed on OR-242.   

CURRENT SITUATION

Thunderstorms moved through the fire areas yesterday afternoon bringing significant precipitation, windy conditions, and blowing down trees. Today, crews will work on safely navigating access, removing downed trees, and reengaging on the fires. Infrared flights are still showing heat within the fire perimeters, though fire behavior is expected to be reduced today, as wet fuels take time to dry.  Moderate fire behavior and weather conditions are predicted in the immediate forecast. 

Ore Fire

Blue River, 3,093 Acres, 14% Contained, 547 Total Personnel, Human Caused

Crews were pulled off the line yesterday afternoon ahead of the thunderstorm activity and today will work to mitigate fallen trees to reengage on the fire. The Ore Fire received approximately .8 of an inch of rain in the past 24 hours. Current conditions will allow crews to work on further securing the fire containment lines.   

Pyramid Fire

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,320 Acres, 76% Contained, 283 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

The Pyramid Fire received nearly an inch of rain in the past 24 hours. Today, crews will work to safely navigate access to the fire, mitigate any hazards, and continue mopping up, patrolling, and securing containment lines where possible. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Conditions will be calm today compared to yesterday. Scattered mid-level clouds, remnants from yesterday’s thunderstorms will keep conditions cool and moist. Predicted maximum temperatures are 70-74° F in the valleys and 64-68°F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is expected to be 48-54% in the valleys and 62-68% on the ridgetops.  For smoke and air quality conditions visit: AirNow.gov 

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES, AND 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.