Single Publication

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update

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

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024                                

Fire Causes: Lightning

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov                

Information PhoneLine: 541-208-1742

Willamette Complex South: total personnel: 495; total acres: 23,443

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

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

Red Fire: total personnel: 72; total acres: 1,830

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

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

Summary

Fire behavior has remained minimal in recent days. However, warmer and drier weather predicted for today and tomorrow may result in increased fire activity, including some torching and spotting. Additional staff and equipment have been pre-positioned in anticipation of this possible uptick in active fire. After weeks of chipping and clearing woody material from fuel breaks and repairing damage to roads, firefighters have wrapped up this work at many locations and are poised to respond as necessary to any developing threats.  The Chalk Fire, Coffee Pot Fire, McKinley Creek Fire, and Tire Mountain Fire retain their status as 100 percent contained and are in monitor-and-patrol phase, though with expected weather changes, active burning of unburned fuels within their perimeters may resume. Firefighters will place monitoring of all fires in the complex as the top priority today. Members of the public are asked to continue respecting area closures and restrictions.

Red Fire (1,830 acres, 11% containment)

In recent days, surface fire has continued to incrementally creep downhill toward Crescent Lake on the southeast fire flank. Crews have completed suppression repair work along indirect firelines but they will remain in place to monitor and respond as needed to any emerging threats. Additional hand crews and engines have also been engaged to assist as needed. Structure protection equipment including portable tanks, hoses, and pumps remain in place for recreational residences along Crescent Lake.

208 Fire (9,013 acres, 4% containment)

Helicopters made numerous water drops yesterday to keep active fire in check on the west side of the fire. Monitoring will continue today along the perimeter, and additional air attack will be used if needed. Slash removal and chipping crews keep progressing on indirect fire lines to the north.

Moss Mountain Fire (2,181 acres, 10% containment)

Ground crews began fuel reduction efforts surrounding the Wolf Mountain Communications site and will continue that effort over the next several days. Protecting this infrastructure is critical for electronic communication services all along the Highway 58 corridor east of Eugene. Crews are assessing surrounding dozer lines for any needed repair or improvement. Given increased potential for active fire today, firefighters are strategically positioned and ready for response if needed, even as suppression repair and road improvements continue. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Breezy conditions last night have settled down. Calmer terrain-driven winds should resume this morning, with 5 to 10 mph winds expected today along with relative humidities around 30 percent. High temperatures in the 80s, and possibly into the 90s at low elevation, may occur today. A frontal system arriving early Wednesday afternoon will bring some relief, sending temperatures back down, but with gusty winds possible as the front moves through. Later this week and into the weekend, more seasonable conditions will return.

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.