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

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 606

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,076

Resources (Includes Pyramid Fire Resources): 1 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 9 Type 2 Crews, 4 Type 2 Initial Attack

Crew, 4 Helicopters, 21 Engines, 8 Dozers, 14 Masticators, 4 Skid Steers, and 4 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning

Summary

Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority throughout all phases of the incident. Firefighters continue

to progress, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity, which limits fire activity. On the Chalk

Fire, improvements were made on the direct lines along the north and west edges of the fire. Fire crews are

addressing hotspots and snags as they are discovered. On the Moss Mountain Fire, substantial progress has been

made on an indirect line to the north and a contingency line to the south. Helicopters were utilized for bucket drops

in areas of heat. Crews worked on removing fire-weakened trees and snags along Forest Service Road 2300.

Chalk Fire (5,692 acres, 66% containment)

Fire crews will monitor and improve the containment lines on the fire's north, east, and south sides. On the north fire

edge, crews continue to locate and extinguish hot spots near the line. On the east and south sides of the fire, crews

mop up and patrol along the secured contained line. On the west side, crews will improve and deepen completed

direct lines, addressing fire-weakened trees and snags and mopping up hot spots as they are discovered.

Moss Mountain Fire (867 acres, 0% containment)

Helicopters are available today to cool the north and west fire edges. Hotshot crews will work along the fire's south

side to secure along Forest Service Road 2120. Crews will work on indirect line improvement, using heavy

equipment to remove vegetation, woody debris, and brush along the mountain road system. Heavy equipment

operators improve dozer lines along the fire's north side.

208 Fire (253 acres, 0% containment)

The 208 Fire is monitored and patrolled in the wilderness using aerial resources. When 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 Fire (24

acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,179 acres, 100% contained)

The 217, Tire Mountain, McKinley, and Coffeepot fires are 100% contained and are patrolled regularly. Fire crews

will continue to improve contingency lines established around the Coffeepot Fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior

A high-pressure system is forecast to build today, creating more offshore flow and developing easterly winds across

the region this evening. High temperatures are expected around 70 degrees with a minimum relative humidity of

28%. Winds are expected to be light from the north, then turning east, at around 5 mph with gusts up to 20 mph

expected in the higher elevations.

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 fo