Smoke Outlook 8/11-8/12/2022

Fire The Windigo Fire has been remapped at 1008 acres with 25% containment. The Potter Fire is at 314 acres with 0% containment. The Big Swamp Fire is 119 acres with 0% containment. Similar fire behavior to yesterday is expected today. For additional information, see Potter Fire and Windigo Fire. Smoke Very little smoke was generated yesterday between all of the fires within the Smoke Outlook area. What little there was, drifted mainly into the Deschutes River valley from about Sunriver northward to Redmond resulting in some Moderate air quality (AQ) this morning. However, overall Good AQ is forecast for these areas as well as elsewhere today based on expected minimal fire behavior. As mentioned yesterday there was concern for California smoke to move over the region today. That did happen and surprisingly it was low enough in the atmosphere to create Moderate AQ at Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and Crescent Lake this morning. The smoke will dissipate this morning resulting in Good AQ today into this evening, but with SSW winds aloft remaining over the area tonight, Moderate AQ is expected once again in these locations.

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 11, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

Wildland Firefighter Killed on Big Swamp Fire near Oakridge, Ore.

Willamette National Forest - August 11, 2022

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire near Oakridge, Ore. on the Willamette National Forest.

The Bureau of Land Management firefighter was assigned from Colorado. A Serious Accident Investigation Team is being assembled.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter working on our forest to save our communities and beloved recreational areas,” said Duane Bishop, Acting Forest Supervisor on the Willamette National Forest. “Their family has been notified and we are working with our partners to ensure the crew is well taken care of. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”

Additional information will be released when appropriate. Media can send inquiries to Public Information Officer Jennifer O'Leary at jennifer.o'leary@usda.gov. 

Wildland Firefighter Killed on Big Swamp Fire near Oakridge, Ore.

Willamette National Forest - August 11, 2022

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire near Oakridge, Ore. on the Willamette National Forest.

The Bureau of Land Management firefighter was assigned from Colorado. A Serious Accident Investigation Team is being assembled.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter working on our forest to save our communities and beloved recreational areas,” said Duane Bishop, Acting Forest Supervisor on the Willamette National Forest. “Their family has been notified and we are working with our partners to ensure the crew is well taken care of. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”

Additional information will be released when appropriate. Media can send inquiries to Public Information Officer Jennifer O'Leary at jennifer.o'leary@usda.gov. 

 Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 10, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds were present across the fires Tuesday. Light showers and thunderstorms moved through the area, resulting in minor amounts of precipitation. Progress was made on all fires. Crews on the Windigo Fire strengthened line around the entire perimeter yesterday, increasing the mop up depth to 100 feet in some portions. Today, they will work on mop up operations to secure the line around the fire.

Firefighters on the Potter Fire expect to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day, as well as, continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 117 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today, firefighters will work to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, secure lines and conduct mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 791 total personnel comprised of 13 handcrews, 24 engines, 11 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter. Two fixed-wing scoopers are available out of Eugene.

Temperatures will reach 75-80 degrees today. Southwest winds with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 2 mph on ridge tops are expected. Fire spotting distances may be up to .25 - .4 miles with a 45-75% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,009 acres            
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 miles southwest of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 306 acres  
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 miles northeast of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

·       Pacific Crest Trail – visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/oregon/ for more information.

·       Forest Service Road (FSR) 60 from the junction with FSR 6020 on the Deschutes National Forest to FSR 2612 on the Umpqua National Forest

·       Forest Service Road (FSR) 2610 from Lemolo Dam to Calapooya Mountainn

Fire

The Windigo Fire remains at 1,053 acres with 25% containment. The Potter Fire remains at 279 acres with 0% containment. Cooler temperatures and higher RH will reduce fire behavior today. For additional information, see Potter Fire and Windigo Fire.

 Smoke

As the amount of smoke being generated by the numerous fires within the Smoke Outlook area has decreased, due to great suppression efforts, the air quality impacts have also decreased. This trend is expected to continue. Smoke has settled into the Deschutes River valley in the Bend and Redmond areas this morning resulting in Moderate AQ. Moderately strong southerly winds aloft will transport smoke north northeast today which is expected to reinforce Moderate AQ conditions in Bend and Redmond this afternoon and especially tonight. Elsewhere, the typical diurnal wind shift to NW late in the afternoon and evening will spread smoke southeast resulting in a few hours of Moderate AQ from Crescent Lake to Diamond Lake. Smoke from distant fires in northern California is expected to drift overhead the next few days, but for the most part should not be a player in our air quality. 

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 09, 2022
Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm) | Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov
Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/
Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715
 
On Monday, lines held against higher temperatures and changing winds. Progress was made on all fires. The Windigo Fire is 25% contained. A Red Flag Warning for lightning and gusty winds remains in effect today through the evening, continuing to test fire lines. Light precipitation is possible across the fire area during the day from showers and thunderstorms.
 
Crews on the Windigo Fire were able to complete hose lines around the entire perimeter yesterday. Today, they will work to solidify the line and continue mop up around the perimeter, looking to extend the line further inward. Firefighters on the Potter Fire will continue mop up operations and strengthen primary, alternate, and contingency lines. If favorable weather conditions are present on Wednesday, fire personnel may begin firing operations to help strengthen control lines.
 
The Big Swamp Fire is at 114 acres following yesterday’s operations. On Monday, crews worked to secure line with aviation support while dozers improved lines. Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen lines and add hoses. There may be opportunities to go direct on the eastern portion using Forest Road 2153.
 
Resources on the fires include 801 total personnel comprised of 20 handcrews, 24 engines, 13 dozers and 12water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter. Two fixed-wing scoopers are available out of Eugene.
 
High temperatures will reach 81 - 87 degrees. Winds will flow from the southwest and change direction, becoming northwest late in the afternoon with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 25 mph on ridgetops. Fire spotting distances may be up to .25-.4 miles with an 75-85% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.
 
Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,053 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 miles southwest of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning
Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 279 acres
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 miles northeast of Toketee Lake
Cause: Lightning
 
Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.
• Pacific Crest Trail – visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/oregon/ for more information.
• Forest Service Road (FSR) 60 from the junction with FSR 6020 on the Deschutes National Forest to FSR 2612 on the Umpqua National Forest.
• Forest Service Road (FSR) 2610 from Lemolo Dam to Calapooya Mountain

Special Statement
RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS.

Fire
The Windigo Fire remains at 1,053 acres with 25% containment. The Potter Fire grew 45 acres Monday and is now at 279 acres with 0% containment. Weather conditions are favorable for increased fire behavior today. For additional information, see Potter Fire and Windigo Fire.

Smoke
Smoke within the Outlook area will largely be terrain driven today with down valley winds early this morning, then up valley by late morning through mid-afternoon. By afternoon, southerly winds aloft will transport smoke northward. Therefore, areas south of fires will have Good AQ into midafternoon, while areas north of the fires will see periods of Moderate AQ. However, with a wind shift to the NW late afternoon and evening, smoke will spread southeast resulting in Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) in Crescent Lake area with a few hours of Moderate AQ in Diamond Lake and possibly into Crater Lake. Once again, the wildcard in the Smoke Outlook will be how thunderstorm outflows interact with these aforementioned winds.

Red Flag Warning
Lightning and dry vegetation will likely result in new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.

Special Statement RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TODAY TO 9 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING.

Fire
The Windigo Fire grew 1 acre Sunday and is at 1,053 acres with 25% containment. The Potter Fire grew 49 acres Sunday and is now at 234 acres with 0% containment. Weather conditions are favorable for increased fire behavior today, potentially escalating smoke production. For additional information, use the following links; Potter Fire and Windigo Fire.

Smoke
Smoke produced by the three main fires within the Outlook area will largely be terrain driven today with down valley winds early this morning, then up valley by late morning through mid-afternoon. By midday smoke will rise and be transported northward through the afternoon by southerly winds aloft. Therefore, areas south of fires will have overall Good AQ while areas north of the fires will see the bulk of the smoke with generally Moderate AQ, but also some hours of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) AQ, specifically the Oakridge area. A wildcard in the Smoke Outlook will be how thunderstorm outflow boundaries interact with these aforementioned wind patterns this afternoon and overnight.

Red Flag Warning
Lightning and dry vegetation will likely result in new fire starts. Gusty thunderstorm winds could contribute to fire spread. Despite rainfall, initial attack resources could be overwhelmed and holdover fires are possible.
 
View Smoke Outlook PDF below. 

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 08, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

Yesterday, lines held against higher temperatures and changing winds. Progress was made on all fires and the Windigo Fire is now 25% contained. A Red Flag Warning for lightning and gusty winds will be in effect starting today and continue until tomorrow evening, testing fire lines again. A Red Flag Warning is defined by a combination of critical fire conditions such as warmer temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds—which produce an increased risk of fire danger. A small amount of precipitation is expected overnight through Tuesday morning.

Crews on the Windigo Fire were able to lay hoses around the entire western half and are more than 60% around the eastern side. Today, mop-up will continue around the entire perimeter. Firefighters on the Potter Fire will continue to develop and strengthen primary, alternate, and contingency lines. If favorable weather conditions are present later in the week, crews will be able to use more direct strategies. 

The Big Swamp Fire is now being measured at 102 acres after an overnight infrared flight. Yesterday, crews fought spot fires while dozers improved lines. Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen lines and add hoses. There may be opportunities to go direct on the eastern portion using Forest Road 2153.

The Shelter Fire, Fire 210, and Fire 212 are all contained. Crews will continue to patrol these incidents. 

Resources on the fires include 674 total personnel comprised of 16 handcrews, 33 engines, heavy equipment, eight Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter. Two fixed-wing scoopers are available out of Eugene.

High temperatures will reach 84-89 degrees. Wind direction will change midday and flow from the west with speeds between 5-8 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops and valleys. Fire spotting distances may be up to ¼ - ½ mile with an 80-85% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,053 acres            
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 miles southwest of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 234 acres  
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 miles northeast of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

·       Pacific Crest Trail – visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/oregon/ for more information.

·       Forest Service Road (FSR) 60 from the junction with FSR 6020 on the Deschutes National Forest to FSR 2612 on the Umpqua National Forest