Fire Update – Oakridge Lightning Fires (Willamette Complex)

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Sunday, August 4, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email:2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Note

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1) has assumed management of the Pyramid, Slate, and Ore Fires, all of which are active on the Willamette National Forest.

Ore Fire Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-ore-fire

Pyramid and Slate Fire Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-pyramid-and-slate-fires

Current Situation

Trace amounts of precipitation decreased fire activity yesterday across most of the Oakridge Lightning Fires. Firefighters are preparing for an increase in activity today as clouds and smoke will lift in the afternoon. While lighter fuels are expected to be less receptive, heavy dead and down fuels remain extremely dry and will likely become active later today. Firefighters continue to construct and reinforce lines to protect high value assets near the Oakridge Lightning Fires.

Information for each of the seven Oakridge Lightning Fires is provided below. Firefighting activities and suppression actions are described in detail for each double-lettered division on each fire.

Chalk Fire (3,808 acres, 50% contained)

Division AA: Crews continue to patrol and secure existing lines as they work west toward Division TT. A test fire yesterday indicated that this area will be ready for a low intensity firing operation later today. The firing operation may last up to three days.

Division KK: Preparation work continues along the east side of the Chalk Fire which is expected to take two to four days to complete. When complete, a firing operation will be assessed to strengthen containment lines and hold fire to the west.

Division TT: Fire managers are assessing options to build and strengthen lines tighter to the fire’s west side, where they have identified options to limit growth. Contingency lines are being strengthened further west.

Coffeepot Fire (4,801 acres, 0% contained) and Moss Mountain Fire (340 acres, 0% contained)

Division PP: Crews are preparing lines south to the SS division break on the east side of the Coffeepot Fire. Work continues to hold the 45-acre spot in the southwest corner of this division.

Division RR: An earlier successful firing operation is being strengthened today as firefighters look to address some areas of unburned fuel where there is a high probability of success. Firefighters are also preparing the 2119 road as a strategic option to keep the fire within a smaller footprint.

Division SS: More resources, including heavy equipment, were added to this division yesterday. Crews continue to prep lines as they head west to the Division PP break.

Division WW: Firefighters are fine tuning previous prep work and are putting in hose lays around Division WW. Prep is also continuing in this division from the SS division break up towards Division RR.

Contingency Group: This additional group continues working south of the Coffeepot Fire to protect highly values assets on private land.

208 Fire (156 acres, 0% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres, 54% contained)

The 208 and McKinley fires have shown little growth over the past several days.

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

The 217 and Tire Mountain fires are contained.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Mostly sunny skies are expected today. With little fire activity yesterday, there will be considerably less smoke in the air than in previous days. A strong nocturnal inversion is in place this morning and is expected to break by early afternoon, depending on smoke cover.

Active fire behavior is expected today as smoke and clouds lift out of the area. Fuels remain dry and receptive despite the little precipitation received in the area yesterday. Spot fires from rolling logs and flammable lichen are possible today.

Evacuations

For evacuation information please visit: https://www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2024wildfires

To sign up for evacuation alerts please visit: https://www.LaneAlerts.org

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 follow this link:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487

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

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.

For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For More Information:

Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email: 2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-oakridge-lightning-fires-2024

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeLightningFires2024/

 Total Willamette Complex Personnel: 997

Fire Cause: Lightning

Location: North & South of Oakridge, OR

Cougar Creek Fire Update for August 4, 2024

Incident Commander Jeff Dimke

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 12

509-210-2928, staffed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Quick Facts:

Size: 20,657 Acres               

Start Date: July 15, 2024       

Cause: Under investigation

Location: SW of Clarkston, 1 mile west of Hwy 129 and Grand Ronde River intersection

Containment: 35%              

Personnel: 466                       

Fire Strategy: Full suppression                       

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 3 helicopters, 31 engines, 12 water tenders, 28 heavy equipment

The Cougar Creek Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Umatilla National Forest bordering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. 

Operations: Yesterday heavy and medium helicopters dropped 22,000 gallons of water on two spot fires near the fire’s northwest corner. Firefighters on the ground were unable to engage these spot fires due to the danger of rolling logs and falling debris in the steep terrain. A break in the weather with light rain moderating conditions this morning will allow firefighters to work on securing a spot fire west of FSR 40. 

The cooler weather helped to moderate fire behavior, leading fire managers to assess the viability of constructing an indirect fire control line starting at Saddle Butte and extending north. Firefighters have been holding and improving the area burned out Friday night on the western fire edge near Saddle Butte. Firefighters are working to slow the fire’s spread into the wilderness, and fire crews will continue preparing and initiating tactical firing operations as needed in areas where they can safely engage. 

Firefighters conducted a firing operation late yesterday along FSR 4304 to tie the fire perimeter to the road. The two spot fires in the George Creek drainage are showing no heat and continue to be closely monitored by firefighters. Fire crews are mopping up and gridding near Medicine Creek on the eastern fire perimeter, with firefighters extinguishing remaining pockets of heat. Firefighters are taking advantage of moderating weather while remaining vigilant for a potential uptick in fire activity accompanying outflow winds from passing thunderstorms today.

Evacuations and Closures: Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest closure website. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff website and Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook website. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon, to the Highway 129 junction in Washington. A level 2 evacuation remains in effect for all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Road north to the State boundary and the Garfield County line to Grande Ronde River. The TFR remains in effect: https://bit.ly/4duptei. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR as firefighting aircraft cannot fly with unauthorized drones present. Please respect road and area closure orders and use extra caution while driving for your safety as well as our firefighters.

Weather and Smoke: Light rain was observed at fire camp this morning, and partially cloudy weather will moderate fire behavior. Fire managers are prepared for gusty outflow winds from thunderstorms that may lead to increased fire behavior, especially in the afternoon. Air quality in the region remains at Moderate quality. Learn more about smoke at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. 

Yesterday about .10 inches of rain fell across the fire area and helped firefighters establish containment line on the most critical fires. Weather prevented the usual overnight infrared mapping flight, so no acreage update is available. The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest is estimated at 6,134 acres and 11% contained, with 475 people assigned. Resources are shared with the Middle Fork fire.  The Middle Fork fire within Crater Lake National Park is estimated at 1,938 acres and 1% contained, with 24 people assigned with additional shared resources from the Diamond Complex as needed. The park remains open. 

The Umpqua National Forest increased Public Use Restrictions to Level 3 across all ranger districts of the forest in response to the drying conditions and increased fire activity. More information can be found at bit.ly/3xIZZdK. Broken Arrow, Diamond Lake, and Thielsen View Campgrounds are open and taking reservations through www.recreation.gov   

A very active fire season in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation means that firefighting resources are stretched thin. Firefighting is prioritized to attack the fires that are most threatening to critical values at risk. The highest priorities for protection are those fires that threaten life, property, transportation, hydropower infrastructure and developed recreation areas. 

The Trail fire, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, is 839 acres and 40% contained. The fire will be patrolled from the air and firefighters will respond as needed. 

The Lemolo fire, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 873 acres and 10% contained. Yesterday's rain made strategic firing operations ineffective. This work will resume today to remove a few relatively small pockets of unburned fuel between the fire and the Lemolo Lake Road.   

The Pine Bench fire, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, is 2,117 acres and 10% contained. Crews continue to hold and mop up along the FS 4775 Road and patrol the 900 Road and Hwy 138, and build indirect contingency fire line by opening and brushing roads to the east and north of the fire, to be used if the fire were to move out of the Boulder Creek Wilderness. Today firefighters will use helicopters to drop water on several spot fires detected west of Boulder Creek in the Wilderness.  

Crews on both the Watson fire, 236 acres and 50% contained, and Loafer fire, 37 acres and 50% contained, will continue their successful containment and mop up on these fires. 

Bear Trap, 64 acres and 50% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain now has a control line around the entire fire and crews are mopping up. 

Ooya, 190 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point. Work continues to remove hazardous snags (standing dead trees) to establish safe access to begin active work on the fire. There is significant power infrastructure to the south of this fire, making it a high priority.  

Potter, 747 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain. Crews are clearing fuels from around trestles to protect critical hydropower infrastructure below the fire. 

Brodie, 121 acres and 0% contained, about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon. Today this fire is unstaffed, to provide resources for suppression of the Middle Fork fire. 

Trep, 133 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138. Crews completed a dozer line across the north flank of the Trep fire. 

Other fires within the complex consist of:  Pig Iron near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, is 27 acres and 95% contained;  Rough, 11 acres and 25% contained,  Garwood, 5 acres and 95% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, northeast of Pine Bench;; Clearwater, 0.7 acre and 100% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Elephant, 0.7 acres and 95% contained, 2 miles southwest of Lemolo Lake;   Sheep, 0.3 acres and 95% contained, 3 miles north of Diamond Lake; Thin, 0.6  acre and 95% contained, four miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Trap, 15 acres and 0% contained, 1 mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain; Campwood, 20 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138;  Birds, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; Wood, 23 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138, Mowich, 0.4 acre and 95% contained, 1 mile north of Hwy 138,  Toolbox, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, Dog, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; and Canal, 1 acre and 75% contained. 

The Middle Fork fire is in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park. A night shift was added, and fire fighters are working around the clock. Firefighters have opened up old fire lines built to contain the 2015 National Creek Complex fires.  This fire line will be used to stop the fire’s northward spread and confine it within the park. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.    

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Today will see a warming and drying trend, with temperatures up 15 to 20 degrees and humidity in the 20-30% range. Fuels will return to a dry flammable condition over the next week with a significant warming and drying trend. 

Smoke Outlook: Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations.  For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/  

Fire prevention: The moderating effect of the recent rain will not last long. There is a lot of fire season still ahead. Don’t park in dry grass, and make sure tow chains do not drag. Please be mindful of campfire restrictions and appropriate use of liquid fuel stoves.  

Closures and Evacuations: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impact all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at Very High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 3: bit.ly/3xIZZdK. 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail fire from a Level 2: BE SET to a Level 1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations 

Retreat Fire 

Información sobre incendios: 509-213-4890 Correo electrónico: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-retreat

4 de Agosto de 2024

Equipo 1 de Northern Rockies , Comandante del Incidente Brent Olson

Ubicación: 14 millas al suroeste de Naches, WA

Fecha de inicio: 23 de Julio de 2024

Causa: Bajo investigación

Superficie: 41.279 acres

Contención: 49%

Recursos: 657 personas en total; 8 excavadoras; 17 equipos manuales de bomberos; 41 camiones de bomberos.

Mensajes Clave: 

El humo de numerosos incendios en el noroeste del Pacífico, así como el del Retreat Fire, está afectando a la calidad del aire en la zona. Una alerta de calidad del aire se ha emitido para todo el condado de Yakima, incluyendo la Reserva de Yakima, en efecto hasta nuevo aviso. Las partículas (PM 2,5) pueden alcanzar niveles insalubres o Insalubres para los grupos sensibles. 

El corredor de la autopista 12 permanece cerrado a la circulación pública tanto para los bomberos como para la seguridad pública. La actividad del fuego sigue activa a lo largo de la autopista y los árboles grandes afectados por el fuego siguen cayendo sobre la autopista en momentos inesperados. Se prevé que la autopista permanezca cerrada varios días mas.

Situación Actual:

El Retreat Fire está siendo completamente administrado con arreglo a una estrategia de supresión total que da prioridad a la seguridad pública y de los bomberos.

Los equipos terrestres de bomberos avanzaron ayer lentamente en las operaciones de fuego a lo largo del límite norte del incendio. Intentaron seguir el fuego a lo largo de la línea indirecta de este a oeste, pero las condiciones meteorológicas no fueron favorables y sólo se avanzó un poco. Las zonas sin quemar situadas entre el borde activo del incendio y la línea indirecta del lado norte siguieron ardiendo durante todo el día, aumentando el tamaño total del incendio. Las cuadrillas de bomberos intentarán llevar a cabo operaciones de fuego hoy en el lado noroeste del incendio como parte del plan para trabajar hacia la contención de este incendio.

En la esquina suroeste, los equipos de bomberos se concentraron en limpiar y extinguir los puntos calientes con herramientas y agua. La actividad de los incendios en esta zona fue tranquila durante todo el día. Las cuadrillas de Protección de Estructuras continuaron patrullando el corredor de la autopista 12, extinguiendo cualquier punto caliente o incendio que estuviera amenazando estructuras, y proporcionaron apoyo a los bomberos que trabajaban en la línea de control al suroeste. Se siguen patrullando y vigilando las estructuras de Camp Ghormley y de la carretera de Lost Lake.

Los bomberos y su equipo continuaron limpiando (buscando y extinguiendo puntos calientes), manteniendo y aumentando la línea de contención en los lados sur y este de la zona del incendio. Los equipos de bomberos seguirán patrullando y limpiando para asegurar aún más las líneas. Se espera que sean necesarios algunos días más de trabajo en esta área y se seguirá garantizando su seguridad.

Meteorología y Comportamiento del Fuego:

Ayer, la nubosidad que entró durante la mañana refrescó las temperaturas y aumentó la humedad. El viento soplaba constantemente del oeste al noroeste. Las nubes se retirarán esta mañana. Las temperaturas y la humedad de la tarde cambiarán poco, con temperaturas entre 80 y 93 grados y niveles de humedad del 18 al 25 por ciento. Se espera que el viento nocturno, sea más fuerte, pero sólo alcance rachas de 25 mph.

Ayer, la nubosidad y un pequeño aumento en la humedad han hecho que el peligro del incendio se mantenga casi igual que el viernes. La mayor parte de la actividad del incendio se encuentra en elevaciones más altas debido a los tipos de combustible mixtos de coníferas. Se observó fuego activo durante la noche con vientos racheados del oeste-noroeste, hasta que el comportamiento del fuego disminuyó con la humedad. El comportamiento del fuego durante el día fue latente hasta la tarde, después moderado con fuego lateral y quema de árboles.

Cierres y Evacuaciones:

Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre evacuaciones, visite la Administración de Emergencias del Condado de Yakima en este enlace: Sitio web de la Administración de Emergencias de Yakima.

- La autopista 12 permanece cerrada entre la Y de la autopista 410 y la cima del puerto en el punto kilométrico 151.

- Cierre de incendios en el Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

- La Región Sureste del Departamento de Recursos Naturales del Estado de Washington (DNR) ha cerrado temporalmente el Bosque Estatal de Ahtanum debido al aumento de la actividad del incendio adyacente Retreat Fire que arde cerca de Rimrock Lake. El público puede acceder a la información más actualizada sobre cierres en www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

- El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington ha cerrado al acceso público la mayor parte de la zona silvestre de Oak Creek debido al incendio de Retreat Fire. Está previsto que la zona natural de Oak Creek permanezca cerrada hasta el 23 de Agosto para garantizar la seguridad pública y facilitar las labores de extinción. Encontrará más información en Áreas silvestres | Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington.

CALIDAD DEL AIRE Y HUMO

Las condiciones y previsiones sobre la calidad del aire y el humo pueden consultarse en https://www.airnow.gov/.

Recursos para los residentes antes, durante y después del incendio:

Hay muchos recursos en línea disponibles para los residentes de Washington afectados por incendios forestales.

Apoyo a los residentes afectados por los incendios forestales: https://afterthefirewa.dreamhosters.com/ 

Programas para propietarios de viviendas del DNR de Washington: https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/cost-share

Yesterday about .10 inches of rain fell across the fire area and helped firefighters establish containment line on the most critical fires. Weather prevented the usual overnight infrared mapping flight, so no acreage update is available. The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest is estimated at 6,134 acres and 11% contained, with 475 people assigned. Resources are shared with the Middle Fork fire.  The Middle Fork fire within Crater Lake National Park is estimated at 1,938 acres and 1% contained, with 24 people assigned with additional shared resources from the Diamond Complex as needed. The park remains open. 

The Umpqua National Forest increased Public Use Restrictions to Level 3 across all ranger districts of the forest in response to the drying conditions and increased fire activity. More information can be found at bit.ly/3xIZZdK. Broken Arrow, Diamond Lake, and Thielsen View Campgrounds are open and taking reservations through www.recreation.gov   

A very active fire season in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation means that firefighting resources are stretched thin. Firefighting is prioritized to attack the fires that are most threatening to critical values at risk. The highest priorities for protection are those fires that threaten life, property, transportation, hydropower infrastructure and developed recreation areas. 

The Trail fire, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, is 839 acres and 40% contained. The fire will be patrolled from the air and firefighters will respond as needed. 

The Lemolo fire, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 873 acres and 10% contained. Yesterday's rain made strategic firing operations ineffective. This work will resume today to remove a few relatively small pockets of unburned fuel between the fire and the Lemolo Lake Road.   

The Pine Bench fire, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, is 2,117 acres and 10% contained. Crews continue to hold and mop up along the FS 4775 Road and patrol the 900 Road and Hwy 138, and build indirect contingency fire line by opening and brushing roads to the east and north of the fire, to be used if the fire were to move out of the Boulder Creek Wilderness. Today firefighters will use helicopters to drop water on several spot fires detected west of Boulder Creek in the Wilderness.  

Crews on both the Watson fire, 236 acres and 50% contained, and Loafer fire, 37 acres and 50% contained, will continue their successful containment and mop up on these fires. 

Bear Trap, 64 acres and 50% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain now has a control line around the entire fire and crews are mopping up. 

Ooya, 190 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point. Work continues to remove hazardous snags (standing dead trees) to establish safe access to begin active work on the fire. There is significant power infrastructure to the south of this fire, making it a high priority.  

Potter, 747 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain. Crews are clearing fuels from around trestles to protect critical hydropower infrastructure below the fire. 

Brodie, 121 acres and 0% contained, about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon. Today this fire is unstaffed, to provide resources for suppression of the Middle Fork fire. 

Trep, 133 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138. Crews completed a dozer line across the north flank of the Trep fire. 

Other fires within the complex consist of:  Pig Iron near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, is 27 acres and 95% contained;  Rough, 11 acres and 25% contained,  Garwood, 5 acres and 95% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, northeast of Pine Bench;; Clearwater, 0.7 acre and 100% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Elephant, 0.7 acres and 95% contained, 2 miles southwest of Lemolo Lake;   Sheep, 0.3 acres and 95% contained, 3 miles north of Diamond Lake; Thin, 0.6  acre and 95% contained, four miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Trap, 15 acres and 0% contained, 1 mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain; Campwood, 20 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138;  Birds, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; Wood, 23 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138, Mowich, 0.4 acre and 95% contained, 1 mile north of Hwy 138,  Toolbox, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, Dog, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; and Canal, 1 acre and 75% contained. 

The Middle Fork fire is in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park. A night shift was added, and fire fighters are working around the clock. Firefighters have opened up old fire lines built to contain the 2015 National Creek Complex fires.  This fire line will be used to stop the fire’s northward spread and confine it within the park. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.    

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Today will see a warming and drying trend, with temperatures up 15 to 20 degrees and humidity in the 20-30% range. Fuels will return to a dry flammable condition over the next week with a significant warming and drying trend. 

Smoke Outlook: Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations.  For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/  

Fire prevention: The moderating effect of the recent rain will not last long. There is a lot of fire season still ahead. Don’t park in dry grass, and make sure tow chains do not drag. Please be mindful of campfire restrictions and appropriate use of liquid fuel stoves.  

Closures and Evacuations: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impact all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at Very High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 3: bit.ly/3xIZZdK. 

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail fire from a Level 2: BE SET to a Level 1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations 

Containment Increases, Crews Assist with Several New Lightning Starts

Location: Lonerock to west of Highway 207 | Size: 137,222 acres | Containment: 92% 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 284

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Condon, Ore. — Though containment on the Lone Rock Fire did increase to 92 percent yesterday, a severe thunderstorm that passed through the area brought several new fire starts to the surrounding area. Resources from the Lone Rock Fire are assisting local agencies with initial attack operations to combat these new starts.
 

Overview: Yesterday, crews focused on cleaning up and reinforcing existing fireline in the previously problematic areas on the east and west sides of the fire. Almost the entire east side of the fire is now contained, with the exception of a portion of fireline to the west of Henry Creek where crews are still working to clean up and reinforce existing line. Excavator work was wrapped up on the west side of the fire, and firefighters continued to mop-up isolated pockets of heat.
 

Last night, crews responded to the Bennett Fire, a 500-acre new start to the northwest of Antelope, OR in Wasco County. Crews from the Spray spike camp also assisted with the Wildhorse Fire, a 60-acre fire south of Spray, near Steamboat Mountain.
 

Tactics and operational objectives will remain the same for today regarding the continued work on the Lone Rock Fire. Additionally, crews will be available to assist with new fire starts that may be located today as the fuels dry out and begin to smoke. 
 

Weather: Temperatures will be similar to Sunday, mid-80s to around 100 degrees across the fire area. Calm winds out of the north/northeast are expected, with ridgeline gusts from 15-20 mph. No significant weather concerns are forecasted, though there is a slight chance for thunderstorms to the east of the fire area this afternoon.
 

Evacuations: There are no Level 3 evacuations in place for the Lone Rock Fire.  Additional information is also available from:  

• For Gilliam County evacuation information, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
• For Wheeler County evacuation information, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
• For Morrow County evacuation information, visit Morrow County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

For up-to-date information, checkout the Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) public information map, see link below. 

Closures: 

• For updated road closure information, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.
• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM-managed lands along the main stem pf the John Day River and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, Ore. to Dale, Ore.

Smoke Information: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for local air quality information.
 

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Badland Complex Fire Update  
Aug. 4, 2024 
 
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two 
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander 
 

Current Situation:  

• The Badland Complex remains at 54,563 acres with 80% contained and 258 personnel assigned. One type 3 and two type 1 helicopters continue to be available out of Baker City for water bucket work and reconnaissance work as needed. 
• The fires of the Badland Complex were tested by gusty outflow winds yesterday, as thunderstorm activity passed through the area, with no active fire behavior that threatened fire perimeters. There is potential for additional thunderstorm activity today. While substantial rain fell over Baker City last night, rain over the fire area was less significant. Expect to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel, as well as significant drift smoke from other fires in the region. 
• To respond to any potential new starts, an initial attack group consisting of engines, heavy equipment, skidgines, and water tenders is assigned in Division E, adjacent to the Powder Fire. The group is also improving degraded roads to facilitate access for initial attack and possibly to aid in future fire containment.  
• The Thompson Fire is holding at 31,557 acres and containment has increased to 65%. A type 2 hand crew, along with two engines, two skidgines, and two water tenders are patrolling to the west in Division A, securing the fire’s edge and mopping up any residual heat near the perimeter. The Gila Hotshots and a type 2 hand crew are securing handlines, supported by engines, skidgines, and water tenders to the south in Division W. Crews will continue to diligently check for heat in heavy fuels, extinguishing it in their efforts to extend containment.  
• Also on the Thompson Fire, in Division R to the east, three engines are staffed to patrol, identify, and suppress any fire activity that may threaten containment lines in that area. 
• The Coyote, Powder, Chalk, Sheep Mountain, Daly, and Crandall Fires are all 100% contained and remain in patrol status. 

Weather: Morning thunderstorms are expected to clear out by mid-day, with another round possible in late afternoon. Overall, less storm coverage is expected than yesterday, and more sunshine. Winds will be generally light, with stronger gusts in the vicinity of storms. Temperatures and humidity will remain moderated.  

Smoke Information: Air quality is expected to be worse tomorrow as smoke from local and regional fires increase and as the wind patterns become favorable for impacts from the Park Fire in California.  For current Oregon air quality conditions, please visit https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map.  

Evacuations: Evacuations have remained unchanged since 7/30/2024. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434892363. Sign up for Baker County emergency alerts at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1357  

Closures: Check for highway closures at https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions. All BLM Vale District Recreation Sites along the Snake River between Oxbow and Huntington and on Lookout Mountain are closed. This includes Spring Recreation Site, Swedes Landing, and Bassar Diggins Campground.  

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Get details at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-val-071024.pdf. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been updated. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_7614.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly. 

Fire Info Phone: 541-362-1507  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email: 2024.badlandcomplex@firenet.gov  . 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadlandComplex/ Media Line: 541-249-5894 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orvad-badland-complex-2024  

Fire Update – Pyramid and Slate Fires (Willamette Complex)

Sunday, August 4, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander 

Information Phone: (541) 208-1264

Email: 2024.pyramid@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pyramid Fire (1,260 acres, 31% contained)

Divisions B and E: Yesterday, crews conducted strategic firing operations in several areas to slowly bring fire to indirect containment lines and ensure the fire is contained within the control line perimeter. Crews will continue to use strategic firing operations today as weather allows and will patrol and secure control lines. 

Division Y: Yesterday, firefighters focused on removing standing dead trees and constructing indirect control line around one of last week’s spot fires to secure the fire perimeter. They also constructed direct control line where it is safe to do so. Priorities will continue to be to construct direct and indirect control line and secure the fire’s perimeter.

Slate Fire (91 acres, 99% contained)

Crews have been patrolling the fire by walking the fire’s edge to ensure containment remains. They continue to focus on mopping up and adding control line depth. Resources are starting to be released from the Slate Fire to assist with other fires.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Yesterday, cloudy skies and light rain resulted in minimal fire behavior. Today, and over the next several days, conditions will be sunny, warm and dry, with increasing instability, which will increase fire behavior potential. Predicted maximum temperature is 80 to 90 °F with a minimum relative humidity of 35 to 45 percent. Smoke and air quality conditions are available on: AirNow.gov  

Evacuations: 

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map https://tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/.

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

Area, road, trail (including the PCT), and recreation site closures are in effect in the Willamette National Forest. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.