Incident Summary:  As much as 2 inches of rain fell over the majority of the Rough Patch Complex and the Jack Fire since Friday night.  This significant amount of rain decreased fire activity across all fires to only smoldering in heavy fuels.  No fire spread has taken place for over 48 hours due to low winds speeds, 100% humidity brought by rain fall and cool temperatures.  This very favorable weather has given fire managers time to plan for additional control measures to bring these fires closer to containment and focus on fire suppression repair.  Moderate weather is in the forecast throughout the week which will further aid firefighting efforts.  Lane County Evacuation Level 3 is still in effect on the northern portion of the Chaos Fire near the Bohemia Mining District, but landowners in that area should stay tuned for potential changes to the evacuation level.

Chaos and Little Bend Fires:  The Chaos Fire is 28,696 acres and the Little Bend Fire is 9,382 acres.  Fire behavior across the Chaos and Little Bend Fires continues to be minimal due to the heavy rain across the landscape.  The near-term focus the Chaos Fire is to construct containment lines around the spot fires that crossed over the 2460 road on the east side the Bohemia Mining District.  At this time, damage assessments to structures within the District have not been completed due to challenges in accessing the area because of falling trees – if damage has occurred, it is not expected to be widespread as the majority of the District was not impacted by Friday’s fire activity.  On the southeast flank of the Little Bend Fire hazard trees removal will continue so crews can safely work on suppression repair with the intent of keeping soils in place and debris out of the drainages.  Additional containment on the east side of the Little Bend Fire has occurred and containment lines on the west and southern portions of the fires are holding well. 

Jack and Buckhead Fires:  The Jack Fire is 24,165 acres and the Buckhead Fire is 7,223 acres.  No additional spread of fire continues to be the case along the west, north and northeast perimeters of the fires. On the southeast edge of the Buckhead Fire, crews will continue to work on containing the spot fire north of the 2715 road - this spot fire continues to hold heat as displayed on infrared images.  Information on the nearby Smith Fire can be found at the Devil’s Knob Complex Inciweb page https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7771/.

Near Minky Fire:  The Near Minky Fire is at 4,868 acres. All containment lines are holding well, and there is no significant fire activity.

Evacuations and Closures:  Evacuations and closures are found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

·  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued a level 3 evacuation for the Bohemia Mining District area.  The evacuation notice can be found at https://bit.ly/3zq4DYJ.

·  Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex, and Devil's Knob Complex.

·  Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

·  Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.

Incident Summary:  A soaking rain over the last 24 hours minimized fire activity across the entire Rough Patch Complex and Jack Fire. A strong front early Saturday morning brought over 1.5 inches rain, low wind speeds and cool temperatures that slowed fire growth overall. The weather shift has given fire managers opportunity to refine suppression repair and additional control measures. Sunday will bring more rain but clearing with calm winds by evening. A drying trend is expected starting Monday afternoon. Moderate fire activity is anticipated by mid-week as fuel moistures dry out. Lane County Evacuation Level 3 is still in effect on the northern portion of the Chaos Fire near the Bohemia Mining District.

Chaos and Little Bend Fires:  The Chaos Fire is 28,696 acres and the Little Bend Fire is 9,382 acres.  Fire behavior across the Chaos and Little Bend Fires was minimal due to the recent rain allowing fire managers to develop a plan to build containment lines around spot fire that crossed over the 2460 road in the Bohemia Mining District. Work continued along the 3829 road removing hazard trees allowing crews to safely work on suppression repair to keep soils and debris out of the drainages. Containment lines on the west and southern portions of the Chaos and Little Bend Fires are holding well with some additional containment in the southeast. 

Jack and Buckhead Fires:  The Jack Fire is 24,165 acres, and the Buckhead Fire is 7,223 acres.  Containment held along the west, north and northeast perimeters of the fires. On the southeast edge of the Buckhead Fire crews continued containment efforts along the 2715 road.  The spot fire that was discovered north of the 2715 continued to show heat on infrared.  Information on the nearby Smith Fire can be found at the Devil’s Knob Complex Inciweb page https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7771/.

Near Minky Fire:  The Near Minky Fire is at 4,868 acres. All containment lines are holding well, and there was no significant fire activity today.

Evacuations and Closures:  Evacuations and closures are found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

·        The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued a level 3 evacuation for the Bohemia Mining District area.  The evacuation notice can be found at https://bit.ly/3zq4DYJ.

·        Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex, and Devil's Knob Complex.

·        Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

·        Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.

 

Fire and Weather:

The Rough Patch Fire is now at 50,212 acres and the Devils Knob at 69,301 acres. Both are 37 - 49% contained. Today should be rainy and wet most of the day which will result in minimal fire behavior. Overnight should be cool and clear.

Smoke:

The rains yesterday slowed fire growth, though there are pockets of small fires within the containment area. These small shouldering logs will produce very little smoke.

Incident Summary:  Fire lines across the Rough Patch Fire were tested by unfavorable weather on Friday.  Low humidity and gusty southwest winds aligned with terrain causing increased fire activity in several locations.  Despite firefighter’s efforts for the past several days, fire spotted across the 2460 road along the northern portion of the Chaos Fire near the Bohemia Mining District.  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 (Go now) evacuation notice for this area Friday afternoon.  This was due to the fire activity, spots, and some structures being threatened.  Other places within the Rough Patch Complex experienced increased fire growth and activity but held within primary control lines.  A change in weather will occur over the weekend with wetting rain being received across all areas of the fires.  This will allow firefighters an opportunity to engage the spot fires and work on additional control measures.

Chaos and Little Bend Fires:  The Chaos Fire is 27,903 acres and the Little Bend Fire is 9,269 acres. The Chaos Fire was very active on Friday.  A combination of dry air, wind, and alignment with terrain caused the fire to spot beyond a section of primary control lines along Noon Day Ridge near Grizzly Mountain. The activity spurred a Level 3 evacuation of the area south of Grizzly Creek in the Bohemia mining area. The fire was also active in the Horse Heaven drainage with wind causing spotting and additional growth.  Firefighters were successful in continuing work in other areas, such as the eastern portion of the Little Bend Fire.  Work continued in sections of the 310 and 3818 roads to create additional control lines.  Fire crews were also able to improve and strengthen the southeastern edge of the Little Bend Fire, within the 600 road systems.  Containment lines on the west and southern portions of the Chaos and Little Bend Fires are holding well with some additional containment.  

Jack and Buckhead Fires:  The Jack Fire is 24,165 acres, and the Buckhead Fire is 6,976 acres.  Although weather conditions tested most areas of these fires, existing containment lines held well.  The west, north, and northeast perimeters of containment remain sound.  A spot fire south of the 2715 road was active on Friday and is burning in a previous fire scar. The spot fire progressed to just south of Raven Rock and the 675 road. However, the fire is progressing into a burned area of less vegetation which should provide additional control opportunities there.

Near Minky Fire:  The Near Minky Fire is at 4,869 acres. All containment lines are holding well, and there was no significant fire activity today. Information on the nearby Smith Fire that is burning toward the Near Minky Fire can be obtained at the Devil’s Knob Complex Inciweb page https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7771/.

Evacuations and Closures:  Evacuations and closures are found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

·        The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued a level 3 evacuation for the Bohemia Mining District area.  The evacuation notice can be found at https://bit.ly/3zq4DYJ.

·        Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex, and Devil's Knob Complex.

·        Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

·        Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.

All properties located in the Bohemia Mining District area are under a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice due to the Chaos Fire within the Rough Patch Complex. See the map for the detailed boundaries.

Level 3 (GO NOW) means LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Danger is current or imminent and you should evacuate now.

See the Lane County Sheriff's Order for the official order.  

Fire and Weather: Today will be windier, warmer and drier than yesterday which may result in large fire growth. However, beginning Saturday morning and through Sunday the National Weather service forecasts heavy rains which should put a damper on the fires in this area. The Rough Patch Fire is 48,237 acres. The Devils Knob Complex is 67,159 acres. Both are 36 - 47% contained.

Smoke: With the likelihood of more fire activity there follows a good chance of increased smoke production today. Low winds in the morning will carry smoke to the areas around the fires, however it should lift around 2:00 PM. Tonight smoke may be trapped closer to the ground by a shallow inversion, but early morning winds and rain should clear the air by sunrise. 

Incident Summary: 

Dry air will continue over the fire area today ahead of the awaited moisture system. Rain is expected to arrive late Friday evening through early Saturday morning. Its arrival will be marked by a sharp wind shift from the southwest (blowing from the direction of the approaching storm) with wind gusts expected up to 25mph. Humidity recoveries will be poor, especially on the ridges. This critical weather will increase fire behavior across active areas of the fire. Firefighters worked late into the evening on Thursday conducting firing operations with the emphasis on increasing and reinforcing containment lines along the northeast side of the fires. These actions will create additional reinforcement to the north and east side of the fire, providing the greatest defense for the expected southwest winds. Areas of the fire are expected to receive three quarters to one- and one-half inches of precipitation by the end of the weekend.

Chaos and Little Bend Fires: 

The Chaos Fire is 27,218 acres and the Little Bend Creek Fire is 9,145 acres. Ignitions continued into last night. This tactic will help consume the unburned fuels in open pocket areas near the fire’s perimeter which will aid in securing the perimeter from northerly growth during today’s expected wind event. Crews were successful in conducting firing operations yesterday connecting the ground to the east between the fire’s edge and the 3829 road. Firefighters continued to tie direct hand line into the road and Horse Heaven Creek. This area continues to be the focus with the forecasted winds today. Blasting operations were successful yesterday in the southeast end of the Little Bend Fire - this provided opportunity for firefighters to safely open roads to gain access to what has proven to be a difficult area of the fire. Gaining this access was very effective in helping to secure this area of the fires edge.

Jack and Buckhead Fires: 

The Jack Fire is 24,165 acres, and the Buckhead Fire is 6,962 acres.  Containment lines are holding on the west and north, and northeast perimeters. Firefighters continue to focus on the southeast side of the Buckhead fire and keep a close eye on the active area that is burning within a previous burn scar. The fire is burning in heavy down fuels producing intense heat and smoke, and slowly progressing into an area where limited fuels will hinder the fires growth. Helicopters are being used to help keep this area in check until forecasted weather moves over the fire.

Near Minky Fire: 

The Near Minky Fire is at 4,869 acres. All containment lines are holding well, and there was no significant fire activity today. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team on the Devil’s Knob Complex is coordinating with the Great Basin Incident Management Team 2 to manage impacts from the nearby Smith Fire. 

Closures:  Copies of all closures and maps can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

·  The Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex, and Devil's Knob Complex.

·   Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

·   Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.

Special Statement

Oregon DEQ has issued an air quality advisory for southern Lake County, Detroit Lake area and Diamond Lake area through Friday.

OR DEQ AQ Advisory

Fire and Weather:

Today the air will be warmer and drier than yesterday which may result in increased fire growth. Overall, the fires have been growing slowly but firefighters are strengthening new containment areas and  continue to monitor existing containment lines. The Rough Patch Fire is 48,237 acres. The Devils Knob Complex is 66,584 acres. Both are 36 - 47% contained.

Smoke:

With the possibility of more fire activity there follows a chance of increased smoke production today. Northerly winds will carry smoke into the Rogue River valley for most of the day. Tonight smoke may be trapped closer to the ground by a shallow inversion, but it should lift tomorrow afternoon. Most

of the forecast area will be affected by the forecast rain Friday night. Before it rains the wind will blow much of the smoke to the east. Communities along the I-5 corridor between Roseburg and Grants Pass should have Good air quality today, but may wake to Moderate air quality tomorrow. Crater Lake Rim and Diamond Lake should have good to moderate air quality for the next few days.

Incident Summary: 

Firefighting operations continue across all areas of the complex by applying a full suppression strategy. A dry warming trend continues to move over the fire area similar to yesterday with fire activity expected to pick up slightly earlier in the day. Modest to poor humidity recoveries are expected on the upper ridges with winds from the southeast and west. These elevated weather concerns will bring an increase in fire behavior but will also provide optimal burning conditions for continued controlled firing operations. Firing operations are expected to continue along the northeast side of the fires. These actions will create additional reinforcement to the north and east side of the fire, providing the greatest defense for the expected south winds on Friday prior to moisture moving into the area.

 

Chaos and Little Bend Fires: 

The Chaos Fire is 26,284 acres and the Little Bend Creek Fire is 9,087 acres. Crews will continue conducting firing operations and connecting the ground to the east between the fire’s edge and the 3829 road. Arial ignitions were successful yesterday, consuming unburned fuels in open pocket areas near the fire’s perimeter which will also improve securing the perimeter from northerly growth. Firefighters tied direct hand line into the road and Horse Heaven Creek. This area continues to be the focus with the forecasted south winds on Friday. Today, firefighters will implement the plan to remove hazardous trees on the southeast corner of the Little Bend Fire by using explosives to safely remove hazard trees that cannot be removed with chainsaws or mechanical equipment.

Jack and Buckhead Fires: 

The Jack Fire is 24,165 acres, and the Buckhead Fire is 6,925 acres.  Containment lines are holding on the west and north, and northeast perimeters. Yesterday’s warm weather did bring in increase in fire activity to the eastside of the Buckhead Fire. Firefighters will focus on this priority area along the southeast piece of the Buckhead Fire and continue to work areas south of the 2715 road. Today, fire crews will continue patrolling containment lines to identify and eliminate any previously undetected areas of heat.

 

Near Minky Fire: 

The Near Minky Fire is at 4,869 acres. All containment lines are holding well, and there was no significant fire activity today. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team on the Devil’s Knob Complex is coordinating with the Great Basin Incident Management Team 2 to manage impacts from the nearby Smith Fire. 

 

Closures: 

Copies of all closures and maps can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

• The Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex Fire, and Devil's Knob Complex Fire.

• Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

• Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.