Single Publication

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update

Red, 208, Moss Mountain, Coffee Pot, Tire Mountain, McKinley Creek and Chalk Fires

Date: Monday, September 23 2024                                
Fire Causes: Lightning

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov               
Information Phone Line: 541-208-1742

Willamette Complex South: Total Personnel:473| Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 23,410

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

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

Red Fire: Total Personnel: 50 | Total Red Fire Acres: 1,822

InciWeb:   https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Summary

Fire growth continues to be minimal and remains within the established perimeters. Sunday’s warmer and drier air created some light smoke during the morning hours. Creeping and smoldering fire behavior may be witnessed in the fine fuels, grasses and needles present in the fire area. Crews are working to firm up indirect control lines and repair resources in places impacted by suppression operations. The Chalk Fire, Coffee Pot Fire, McKinley Creek Fire, and Tire Mountain Fire retain their status as 100% contained and are in monitor-and-patrol phase. Crews are chipping, clearing brush and woody debris, and repairing roads impacted by fire suppression activities. Tasks are prioritized under the advisement of resource specialists. Scientifically and fiscally responsible forest practices are being utilized to reduce impacts on sensitive terrain and vegetation as much as possible. Members of the public are asked to continue respecting area closures and restrictions.

Red Fire (1,822 acres, 11% containment)

The Red Fire is now 11% contained. Some areas of flame with a small amount of fire growth have been observed on the Red Fire. Identified suppression repair work was completed yesterday. Roadbed improvements are progressing on the 6010 road. Firefighters are bolstering structure protection for recreational residences.

208 Fire (8,986acres, 4% containment)

Crews observed spotty smoke near the northwest corner and will continue improving holding lines from Lighthouse Rock to Summit Lake. Road repair and material chipping operations are ongoing from Campers Flat to Emigrant Butte along FSR 21. Expect heavy equipment traffic in the area.

Moss Mountain Fire (2,177 acres, 10% containment)

Slash and excess vegetation removal along primary lines northeast of Groundhog Mountain is nearing completion. Crews are making progress south of Beach Mountain near FSR 2316 and expect to connect to the existing fire-line along FSR 23 from the 208 Fire. Crews are identifying critical values at risk near the top of the mountain.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Yesterday began the warming trend that will usher in higher temperatures and bring reduction in humidity levels until another front arrives mid- to late week. Temperatures will return to seasonal averages, with lows in the 40s and highs in the mid-60s but may spike this Tuesday or Wednesday. Expect light northwest winds and drop minimum relative humidity levels to 20 – 30%. Heavy fuels continue to smolder and creep continue.

Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Evacuations 

• For closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedFireClosures2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024. 
• For fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DesFireRestrictions2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024. 
• The Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice remains in effect for the Red Fire. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management.