Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update 

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

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex- fires-south 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/ 
Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov  Information Line: 541-208-1742 

Monday, September 9, 2024 Fire Cause: Lightning 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 674 
Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 22,422 

Resources: 2 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 3 Type 2 crews, 2 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 helicopters, 19 engines, 4 dozers, 86 heavy equipment (masticators, skid steers, feller bunchers, etc.) 

Summary 

Assistance to the local unit continued for multiple initial attack fires, utilizing crews, overhead and aviation resources. The passing critical weather system led to growth on the Moss Mountain and the 208 Fires as well as increased regional activity. This resulted in a shortage of middle management positions and the need for additional Type 1 and Type 2 Initial Attack crews. Overall fire activity is anticipated to continue to diminish with moderating weather. The total complex acreage increased due to continued interior burning of unburned fuels. 

Chalk Fire (5,964 acres, 86% containment) 
Firefighters successfully lined the entirety of the fire perimeter. Mop up continues on the west flank, adjacent to the large, unburned island. Moderating conditions have reduced the rate of fuel consumption within the west side of the unburned island. Today firefighters will continue to monitor the line with engines for changes in fire behavior to build containment. Repair activities including the removal of suppression equipment and materials are ongoing. 

Moss Mountain Fire (1,950 acres, 8% containment) 
Advancement continues on indirect lines north, west, and south of the fire. Crews are holding Forest Service Road (FSR) 2120 to protect private timber. Work is ongoing to secure the southern end of FSR 2120. Additional indirect lines are being prepared along FSR 2120 and FSR 23 to protect values at risk. 

208 Fire (8,274 acres, 0% containment) 
Efforts to bolster indirect line continued yesterday into the evening. Firefighters were successful in using the window of good conditions last night to connect line along FSR 2149 using a burning operation. Crews continue to fall hazard trees to strengthen line along FSR 23 and FSR 423. Observable fire behavior will include backing, single tree torching, and short-range spotting. Higher relative humidity will reduce rates of spread into the night. 

Coffeepot Fire (6,187 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Creek Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained) 

Firefighters are monitoring the line for threats. Mop-up is progressing, and equipment is being recovered. Resource advisors are assessing areas that may need repairs. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Higher humidities and wind are directing fire growth away from values. High pressure continues to decline with relative humidity around 40% at higher elevations and 60-80% in lower elevations. Full sun on Sunday allowed temps to warm into the 80s in lower elevations and 70s in high elevations. Smoke should slowly disperse as a northwest breeze continues. Later in the week wetting rains are predicted as early as midnight Wednesday. 

Smoke Information 

* For local air quality information and actions to take, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.

The Community Meeting recording is available right here on Facebook as well as on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/7gqAGci8cwQ?si=uUj5aBxItCnZ3F3n

For specific closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024. 
For current fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024

For current Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), visit: http://tfr.faa.gov. Wildfires are no-fly areas for unauthorized aircraft, such as drones. For more details, visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/.
 

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.