Single Publication

Thursday, August 22, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 706

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,038

Resources: 2 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 22 Type 2 Crews, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, 38 Engines, 9 Dozers, 8 Masticators, 1 Skid Steer, and 7 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

 Summary 

Crews have added 8% more containment to the Coffeepot Fire and are making significant progress on the other fires in the complex. Hot spots remain, especially in the heavy dead and down fuels, but fire managers are using uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) with thermal mapping to locate heat and extinguish it. 

 Chalk Fire (5,684 acres, 66% containment) 

The Chalk Fire perimeter has seen significant progress towards containment. On the eastern portion of the fire, crews are removing hoselay from sufficiently secure lines. However, on the western portion of the fire, hazard trees remain a risk to firefighters and are being removed by felling crews. This west side of the fireline is the priority for ongoing work, and UAS operations are being used to locate areas of concern. 

Coffeepot Fire (6,176 acres, 96% containment) 

On the Coffeepot Fire, firefighters were able to add another 8% of containment line. Difficult terrain on the eastern portion of the fire continues to hinder progress towards containment. Mop-up operations are only taking place after expert fellers have swept through the area removing snags and hazard trees. This allows firefighters to safely mop up and secure the area. 

Moss Mountain Fire (844 acres, 0% containment) 

The 2120 road remains a high priority for halting the southern growth of the Moss Mountain Fire. Heavy timber, steep terrain, and rollout downhill remain a challenge to holding efforts. Two hotshot crews and a Type 1 helicopter support the ongoing operation. Specialized heavy machinery has been used to create fuel breaks and containment lines around the area. 

208 Fire (249 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire is being monitored and patrolled using aerial resources due to minimal activity on the perimeter. When necessary, helicopters use bucket drops to keep fire in check.

217 Fire (38 acres 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres 100% contained)

With 100% containment on the 217 Fire, the Midnight Sun Hotshots from Alaska removed equipment and supplies used in suppression efforts. Crews hauled everything out by hand for minimal disturbance of the Diamond Peak Wilderness Area. Tire Mountain and McKinley Fires are 100% contained and are being patrolled regularly. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

A low-pressure system will bring some rain to the region on Thursday, clearing out by Sunday. A low chance of thunderstorms exists. Minimal fire behavior is predicted. 

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.     

For More Information 

Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov 

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

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WillametteComplexFiresSouth