Single Publication

Fire Update – Oakridge Lightning Fires

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Thursday, July 25, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email:2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Current Situation: Firefighters continue suppression efforts on the Chalk, Coffeepot, Moss Mountain, and 208 fires. The McKinley, Tire Mountain, and 217 fires are lined with little to no spread. Infrared flights have provided more accurate fire perimeters, allowing fire management staff to better assess the strategies needed to suppress the seven fires collectively known as the Oakridge Lightning Fires. Northwestern winds and warm temperatures will continue to impact suppression efforts in steep and rugged terrain over the next several days. The total acreage of the seven fires is 4,425 acres with more than 500 personnel assigned.

Fire activity across the nation, and especially in the state of Oregon, are putting extreme demand on all available firefighting resources. Strategies with the highest probability of success will be prioritized in protecting highly valued resources, while keeping public and firefighter safety as the top objective.

On large, complex fires, supervisors divide the fire perimeter into Divisions to provide for better management and safer operations. These daily updates will describe the fire’s activities and suppression actions within these Divisions (labeled on the accompanying fire maps). Note that Division letters don’t always run sequentially so that new Divisions may be added if the fire grows.

The following fire information is provided in order of suppression priority.

Chalk Fire (2,701 acres, 0% contained) – Crews continue to build and secure line to provide additional options for future strategic containment operations.

Division AA: The fire is backing down toward the 1920 Road and existing trails where it is expected to hold. Firefighters are laying fire hose and securing fireline to support containment efforts.

Division KK: Line is being constructed and secured to tie in with existing roads and trails. Firefighters are making good progress in securing the southeast and southwest areas of the fire.

Division TT: The 2021 Gales Fire footprint will assist firefighters in securing the north section of the Chalk Fire. In addition to hand crews, heavy equipment is being used to build and strengthen this line.

Coffeepot Fire (1,312 acres, 0% contained) – The Coffeepot Fire increased in size yesterday due to receptive fine and heavy fuels in terrain that aligned with northwestern winds. Crews in this area are focused on building and strengthening line.

Division PP: Steep, rugged terrain aligned with wind direction last night, allowing the Coffeepot Fire to grow and reach the 2120 Road, where it is currently being held. Crews will continue to prep and secure line today, moving east toward Division WW.

Division RR: Firefighters will work along the 2307 Road and continue east to tie into Division WW.

Division WW: Heavy equipment is being used in this division from 2307 Road toward 23 Road, building and securing line toward Division PP to provide management with future options for strategic operations.

Moss Mountain Fire (190 acres, 0% contained) – The Moss Mountain Fire, in Division WW, is very difficult to access due to steep terrain and rugged road conditions. Fire growth was minimal in this area yesterday, where crews are assessing options for the highest probability for success.

208 Fire (138 acres, 0% contained) – Division YY: The 208 Fire is located entirely within the Diamond Peak Wilderness area, where there has been little growth. Air resources are being requested to provide better perimeter mapping.

217 Fire (37 acres, 0% contained) – Division YY: This fire is also within Diamond Peak Wilderness and is threatening to spread outside the Wilderness boundary on its north flank. Smokejumpers have been in this area for the past several days as they mop up and assess options for future actions.

Tire Mountain Fire (20 acres) – Division TT: Fireline completed, minimal activity yesterday as the fire backed toward containment lines.

McKinley Fire (27 acres) – Division AA: Fireline completed, crews continue to mop up and secure fireline as they work toward full containment.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Weather conditions will remain consistently sunny over the next several days with daytime temperatures in 70s to 80s and relative humidity in the 35-45% range. Clouds moved in from the coast last night, which provided cooler morning temperatures and relative humidities in the 80-100% range. Cloud cover is expected to dissipate this afternoon, which will allow sun to align with the fire on certain aspects. Increased fire activity is expected this afternoon.

Evacuations:

For evacuation information please visit: https://www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2024wildfires
To sign up for evacuation alerts please visit: https://www.LaneAlerts.org

Closures and Fire Restrictions:

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. Temporary road barricades are in use to restrict traffic in the areas near High Prairie and Chalk Mountain.

For specific closure information follow this link:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: 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.

Fire Statistics

Total Personnel: More than 500

Location: N & S of Oakridge, OR

Reported: Various

Cause: Lightning

For More Information

Information Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email: 2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-oakridge-lightning-fires-2024

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeLightningFires2024/