Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update  

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

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south  

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

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov  

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1742 

Friday, August 30, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 646 

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,091 

Resources (Includes Pyramid Fire Resources): 1 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 9 Type 2 Crews, 3 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 4 Helicopters, 16 Engines, 6 Dozers, 124 Heavy Equipment (Masticators, Skid Steers, and Feller Bunchers)  

Fire Cause: Lightning   

Summary  

Heavy fuels continue to retain heat and with the warmer, dryer weather, an increase in fire behavior is likely. Some interior areas have creeping and smoldering fire, and there may be flare-ups and isolated torching where dry fuels are ignited. Infrared flights show widely scattered heat and isolated heat sources across the fires; however, these areas are well inside containment lines, and helicopters are dropping water on these spots. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority throughout all phases of the incident. 

Chalk Fire (5,700 acres, 66% containment)  

Containment lines on the south, east and north portions of the fire will be monitored and improved while lines on the west portion will be deepened from the main body of the fire west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 1912 tying back into FSR 1925.  

Moss Mountain Fire (871 acres, 0% containment)  

Crews continue to secure areas south of Forest Service Road (FSR) 2120 into the main body of the fire while constructing indirect line along FSR 2120 and 23 to reduce the risk of fire spread. Helicopters are available again today to drop water on hot spots and keep the fire in check. Crews continue to haul and chip woody debris and remove snags. 

208 Fire (254 acres, 0% containment)  

The 208 Fire is monitored by aircraft, and if necessary, helicopters use bucket drops to keep the fire in check.  

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Creek Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,181 acres, 100% contained) 

These fires are continually patrolled for flare-ups or heat, and mop-up will continue on the Coffeepot Fire along its north, east and west boundaries. Fire crews are improving contingency lines on the Coffeepot Fire along FSRs 2120 and 2129. Helicopters will drop water on hot spots as necessary to keep the Coffeepot and 208 Fires in check. 

Weather and Fire Behavior  

Warm temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s and low humidity continue through Saturday, August 31. A weather system will bring cooler temperatures and higher humidity beginning Sunday and into next week, and a low chance of thunderstorms. Current weather conditions contribute to increased smoldering and creeping that may spread fire in in dry fuels resulting in flare-ups within fire perimeters. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions  

• For specific closure information, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024   
• For current fire restrictions, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024   
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.