Single Publication

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 747

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,028

Resources: 2 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 24 Type 2 Crews, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, 24 Type 6 Engines, 8 Dozers, 8 Masticators, 1 Skid Steer, and 7 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

 Summary 

Lane County is lifting the evacuation Level 1: READY notice, effective 9 a.m., August 21, 2024. Crews have added 11% 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 (5,676 acres, 66% containment) 

Significant progress has been made towards containment around most of the fire boundary. Hazard trees remain a risk to firefighters and are being removed by felling crews. The western portion of the fireline is the priority for ongoing work. Crews are removing hoselay from the eastern containment line, since it has been secured.

Coffeepot Fire (6,176 acres, 88% containment) 

On the Coffeepot Fire, firefighters were able to add 11% of containment line. The east edge of the fire is burning in difficult terrain and crews are continuing the slow work of going direct where they can to contain it. Fellers are working ahead of fire crews, removing snags and hazard trees. This allows firefighters to safely mop up behind them and secure the area. 

Moss Mountain Fire (844 acres, 0% containment) 

The Gila Hotshots, the Midnight Sun Hotshots, and air support are holding the southern edge of Moss Mountain along Forest Road 2120. Specialized heavy machinery has been used to create fuel breaks and containment lines around the area. 

208 Fire (247 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire has minimal activity along portions of the perimeter. It is being monitored and patrolled using aerial resources.

 217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire 

The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley Fires are 100% contained, and are being patrolled regularly. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

The weather will remain relatively warm and dry through Wednesday. Another low-pressure system will bring rain to the region on Thursday, clearing by Sunday. There is a low chance of thunderstorms. Minimal fire behavior is predicted. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. Temporary road barricades are in place to restrict traffic across the fire areas. 

• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Visit 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