Follow the link below for FOREST CLOSURES – for a list of general closures on the Six Rivers National Forest - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395

A community meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7pm PST 

Meeting Location: Sixes Grange, 44556 US-101, Sixes, OR 97476

You may attend in person or watch live on our Facebook page.  If you are unable to attend the meeting in real time, a recording will be posted to Facebook afterwards to watch at your convenience. 

The meeting will consist of multiple speakers from Southwest Incident Management Team 1 which is currently in command of the Anvil Fire. After presentations from each speaker, we will move into a Q&A session. We will do our best to answer as many questions as we can and as time allows. Some questions may require us to do further research and get back to you. If the question is not within the Teams area of expertise, we will do our best to point you to the appropriate person/agency. You can submit questions in advance by emailing 2023.anvil@firenet.gov by Monday, October 2nd at 5pm. If watching the live stream on Facebook, you will be able to ask questions in the comments section during the meeting.

Please note that we will only cover questions concerning the Anvil Fire. 

SMITH RIVER COMPLEX POST-FIRE BAER SBS MAP RELEASED

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team specialists recently completed their field assessments of the Smith River Complex wildfires to better understand post-fire effects. The BAER team’s soil burn severity (SBS) analysis was conducted across 92,347 acres of burned areas within the complex.

The BAER assessment team starts with data derived from satellite imagery, then adds field observations and collected data to produce a post-fire SBS map. SBS map products are not an estimate of fire direct effects on vegetation, but rather an estimate of the fire effects to the soil. Soil burn severity is a good indicator of post-fire processes, because it is sensitive to the conditions that promote erosion, floods, debris flows and vegetation recovery.

Soil burn severity indicators can be found within the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s General Technical Report 243 – Field Guide for Mapping Post-Fire Soil Burn Severity https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr243.pdf.

In general, low SBS occurs where surface organic layers are not completely consumed. Vegetation canopy and understory will often still appear “green.” These areas are at lower risk for post-fire accelerated runoff, erosion, flooding, and debris flows.

In areas with moderate SBS, much of the pre-fire ground cover is consumed. Fine roots may be scorched but are rarely completely consumed. These areas still have the potential for effective ground cover from scorched needles or leaves remaining in the canopy that will soon fall to the ground. The prevailing color of the site is often “brown” due to canopy needle and other vegetation scorch. Where greater amounts of reduced soil cover and increased water repellency occur, increased overland flow of water from precipitation is expected, most notably in locations where the overstory canopy has been removed.

High SBS occurs where all or nearly all the pre-fire ground cover and surface organic matter are consumed, and charring may be visible on larger roots. White or gray ash indicates that considerable ground cover or fuels were consumed. Sometimes very large tree roots are entirely burned extending from a charred stump hole. Soil is often gray, orange, or reddish where large fuels were concentrated and consumed. Bare soil or ash is exposed and susceptible to erosion, and overall structure may be less stable.

The BAER team estimated that approximately51% of the Smith River Complex was either unburned/very low or low SBS, 34% was moderate and 15% was high SBS. Generally burned areas with high SBS are prone to post-fire impacts. Rain events can cause excessive soil erosion, resulting in higher volumes of flooding, sediment delivery, and debris flows. These threats can individually or cumulatively increase the risk to human life and safety, property, infrastructure, and important critical natural and cultural resources.

The BAER team uses the SBS data as a foundation to model post-fire hydrologic response for each of the watersheds to determine if there are threats or risks to BAER critical values: human life and safety, property, critical natural resources, and critical cultural resources. The team collaborates and shares its analysis with local tribes, county, state and federal agencies, such as Josephine County, Del Norte County, State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), and US Geological Survey (USGS). These agencies have the authority to work with private property owners downstream from the burned area that potentially may have post-fire threats from increased water and debris flows. 

The BAER team’s analysis and findings will be documented in an assessment report that will be posted to the Smith River Complex Post-Fire BAER InciWeb page after the report has been reviewed and approved by Forest Service leadership.

The SBS map can be downloaded at the Smith River Complex Post-Fire BAER InciWeb site as a JPEG or PDF format image under the “Maps” tab.

For additional information about understanding SBS, see: Post-Fire Effects--Understanding Soil Burn Severity - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov).

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events – be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service websites: https://www.weather.gov/eka/ and www.weather.gov/sto/.

Smith River Complex Post-Fire BAER Assessment information is available at: 

Casrf Smith River Complex Postfire Baer Information | InciWeb (nwcg.gov)

30 de septiembre de 2023

Actualización final del Complejo Cowlitz

(RANDLE, Wash.) – El Complejo Cowlitz está contenido en un 39% con un total de 731 acres quemados.

El equipo 3 de gestión de incidentes del oeste de Washington se marcha hoy. El fuego está siendo devuelto al Servicio Forestal con un pequeño equipo de tipo 4 en el lugar para completar el trabajo restante. La actualización de hoy será la última para los incendios Cowlitz Complex. Cualquier información adicional se compartirá en la página de Facebook, la página de Twitter o el sitio web del Bosque Nacional Gifford Pinchot. A medida que los miembros del equipo de tipo 3 se dirigen a casa, reflexionamos sobre el duro trabajo realizado por todos los equipos y bomberos. Queremos agradecer especialmente a la comunidad todo su apoyo. Desempeña un papel muy importante en nuestro trabajo.

El equipo de tipo 4 seguirá vigilando los incendios. El incendio de Grassy Mountain puede seguir mostrando algo de humo desde dentro de la zona quemada. Los árboles quemados, dañados y debilitados pueden romperse o caer causando un problema de seguridad. Después de que el fuego quema a través de un área, puede dejar atrás agujeros ocultos en el suelo quemado. Por favor, tenga cuidado cuando se recrea en y alrededor de estas áreas. Tenga siempre precaución cuando haga una hoguera y asegúrese de que está completamente apagada y fría antes de marcharse.

Tiempo: Una dorsal de alta presión continuará construyéndose en el noroeste del Pacífico, permitiendo un secado adicional y una rápida tendencia al calentamiento. Se esperan condiciones secas bajo un cielo mayormente despejado. Las temperaturas subirán hasta los 60 grados por debajo de los 4000 pies, mientras que permanecerán en los 50 por encima de los 4000 pies. Los valores de humedad relativa descenderán hasta el 40%. Se esperan vientos principalmente del noroeste de 3-8 mph con algunas ráfagas.

Antecedentes: Hubo 30 incendios en el complejo. Los incendios comenzaron 25 de agosto después de un evento relámpago a través del Bosque Nacional Gifford Pinchot. Tres equipos de gestión de incidentes fueron asignados y ayudar a llevar estos incendios bajo control terminando con la supresión de los trabajos de reparación antes de devolverlos al bosque local.

Cierres: Debido a las actividades de los incendios en curso, las siguientes carreteras y senderos están cerrados al público para ayudar a garantizar la seguridad pública y de los bomberos: Carreteras forestales 25, 9300 y 9341, Boundary Trail #1 (desde Elk Pass hasta la intersección con Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp 17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A.

Port Angeles, Wash. – Heavy precipitation fell across the fire area this week, reducing fire activity. Fires are expected to remain within their current footprint through the coming days.  

As threats to structures diminished, fire crews removed protective equipment and shifted locations. No structural damage has been recorded at this time.  

Fire management is preparing to welcome the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team on Monday. Starting Tuesday, the team will assess damages to natural and cultural resources. They also evaluate the potential for future risks such as debris flows. 

Heavy clouds have prevented flight crews from collecting acreage data. The next opportunity for an infrared flight is tomorrow, September 30.  

Fire Name

Initial Report

Estimated Size 

Location

Hurricane

8/28/23

4 acres

2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area

Eagle Point

8/28/23

123 acres

~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road

Diamond Mountain

9/1/23

30 acres

3.3 miles NE of

Anderson Pass

Low Divide

9/1/23

340 acres

N. Fork Quinault drainage

Delabarre

9/1/23

 4,165 acres

3 miles SE of Mount Christie

Martins Lake

9/2/23

122 acres

2 miles NE of Mount Christie

Mount Queets

9/14/23

7 acres

Summit of Mount Queets

Fires in the wilderness are a natural part of the ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; these plants and animals have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Fire can increase favorable habitat for the wildlife. When appropriate, allowing this natural process to continue lowers the risk of catastrophic fires in the future. Naturally occurring fires thin forests, open the canopy, and reduce competition for resources for plant and tree growth. Fire returns nutrients to the soil while reducing the amount of dead, woody debris. It only takes a short time after a fire for the forest to regenerate. 

Background Information 

All seven active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula in the afternoon on August 28.

 

Closures  

Due to wildfire activity the following closures are in effect until further notice:  

• Elwha River Trail from Dodger Point Trail junction to Low Divide  
• Hayden Pass Trail 
• Dosewallips River Trail from Dose Meadows to Hayden Pass 
• North Fork Quinault Trail from Elip Creek trail junction to Low Divide 
• Skyline Trail from Elip Creek Trail junction to Low Divide  
• Martin Park Trail 
• Obstruction Point Road and Trailhead  

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by these closures. Any permit holders who plan to backpack in the above impacted areas should contact the WIC at 360-565-2992 or by emailing OLYM_WIC@nps.gov. 
 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Sunny and dry conditions will build over the fire area as a high-pressure system moves in this weekend. High relative humidity recovery rates should prevent the fire area from drying out. A weak disturbance on Monday will likely bring high humidities and rain to the fire area.  

Information for the 2023 Olympic National Park Lightning Fires can be found at: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waolp-2023-olympic-national-park-lightning-fires  

Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym   
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic 
State and county area burn bans: https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Air-quality/Smoke-fire/Burn-bans 

--NPS-- 

saturday, September 30, 2023

Weather:  An area of low pressure moving into northern California is expected to bring scattered showers, cooler temperatures, and gusty southwest winds through the late afternoon. Rainfall accumulations will be light with a few thunderstorms possible in the afternoon as the front approaches. Temperature highs will reach 58-63 degrees with wind out of the north-northeast in the afternoon at 8-12mph with gusts up to 30mph.

 FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Wet fuels have eliminated the threat of major fire spread. Gusty north-northeast winds continue to pose a snag hazard over the higher elevations.  UFISH FIRE: 7,850 acres at 98% containment.   

ELLIOT FIRE: 13,875 acres at 74% containment.    

Resources will continue to actively patrol and monitor all containment lines and seek out opportunities to address any heat near the fire perimeter, where safe to do so. Suppression repair will continue where it is safe to do so.

EVACUATIONS: All Evacuation Warnings around the Ufish and Elliot Fires have been dropped.  View current Siskiyou County evacuation area status by visiting https://community.zonehaven.com. 

 CLOSURES: A closure order has been implemented in the Klamath National Forest. Find more information at https://bit.ly/KlamathNFAlertsNotices.  

As hunting season continues, please be aware of area closures within our national forests. Contact local Forest Service offices for specific information. 

 DELAYS: One-way traffic control is on Highway 96 at various locations, from 5 miles east of Seiad to the Klamath River. https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ 

September 30, 2023

Final Update for Cowlitz Complex 

(RANDLE, Wash.) – The Cowlitz Complex is 39% contained with a total of 731 acres burned.

Western Washington Incident Management Team 3 is leaving today. The fire is being turned back to the Forest Service with a small type 4 team on site to complete the remaining work. Today’s update will be the last for the Cowlitz Complex fires. Any further information will be shared on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s Facebook page, Twitter page, or website. As the type 3 team members head home, we reflect on the hard work completed by all teams and firefighters. We especially want to thank the community for all your support. It plays a very important role in our job.

The type 4 team will continue to monitor the fires. The Grassy Mountain fire may continue to show some smoke from within the burned area. Burned, damaged, and weakened trees may break or fall causing a safety concern. After the fire burns through an area, it can leave behind hidden holes in the burned ground. Please be safe when recreating in and around these areas. Always use caution when having a campfire and make sure it is completely extinguished and cooled before leaving.

Weather: A ridge high pressure will continue to build into the Pacific Northwest, allowing for additional drying and a quick warming trend. Expect dry conditions under a mostly clear sky. Temperatures will rise into the low to mid 60s below 4000 feet, while still lingering in the upper 50s above 4000 feet. Relative humidity values will fall into the 40 percent range. Expect winds mainly out of the northwest 3-8 mph with a few gusts 

Background: There were 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25th after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Three incident management teams were assigned and help bring these fires under control ending with suppression repair work before turning them back over to the local forest.

Closures: Due to ongoing fire activities, the following roads and trails are closed to the public to help ensure public and firefighter safety: Forest Roads 25, 9300 and 9341, Boundary Trail #1 (from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp 17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A.

###

Puntos más importantes: Permanecen en pie las Ordenes de Cierre en el área de ambos incendios. La precipitación recibida recientemente en el área del bosque permitió levantar las Restricciones para Uso Público, lo cual autoriza el uso de fogatas en zonas que actualmente no están cerradas por el incendio. Tenga en cuenta que esta Orden que se refiere a fogatas, no elimina la Orden de Cierre de caminos. El personal forestal se encuentra trabajando de manera cercana con los manejadores del incendio en la evaluación de medidas de cierre y buscando el momento oportuno para levantarlas tan pronto como sea posible para los bomberos y para el público en general.

Incendio Anvil

Área: 22,069 acres           Fecha de inicio: 25 de agosto, 2023          Localizado:  8 millas al Este de Port Orford, OR
Contención:  40%   Personal: 1,098   Recursos:  33 escuadrillas de bomberos, 14 helicópteros,49 camiones de bomberos

El trabajo arduo de los bomberos ha dado como resultado el incremento en la contención del incendio Anvil a un 40%. Estos avances se dieron en el lado Sur a lo largo de la carretera de Elk Creek Road al igual que en la porción más al Norte del incendio. También fueron completados trabajos adicionales al Noroeste de Grassy Knob. En el lado Este del Incendio, la maquinaria masticadora logro astillar toda el área que se extiende a lo largo de la carretera Forestal 5502.

El día de hoy, continúan con el trabajo de asegurar las líneas de contingencia cercanas a Grassy Knob. Es un trabajo continuo el incrementar el porcentaje de contención del fuego en Elk River Road. Se estima completar la construcción de línea sobre el lado Oeste de Hells Gate para la próxima semana. Es necesario recalcar que a pesar de que la lluvia ha estado presente en el área del incendio durante la semana, el volumen de esta no ha sido suficiente como para extinguir completamente el fuego. El fuego continuara quemándose lentamente en la vegetación alta y árboles caídos.  El material de combustión se secará durante la próxima semana permitiendo la incrementación de la actividad en el incendio y se observará la presencia del humo en el área afectada.

Evacuaciones:  La Oficina del Alguacil para el Condado de curry, creo zonas de evacuación cerca del Incendio Anvil; Zonas 1, 2 y 4 se encuentran en un Nivel 2 “LISTOS”, la Zona 3 se encuentra en un Nivel de evacuación 1 “PREPARESE”. La comunidad deberá estar atenta para los cambios en las condiciones hasta que se considere que el incendio ha sido contenido en su totalidad y las evacuaciones puedan ser levantadas completamente. Para revisar un mapa interactivo de evacuación, visite: https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Puede registrarse en el sistema de Alertas de emergencias para el condado: https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM

Incendio Flat

Área: 34,242 acres       Inicio:15 de agosto, 2023     Localizado: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR    

Contención:  75%             Personal:  22    Recursos: 3 camiones de bomberos

Debido a las condiciones húmedas, el día de ayer no fue posible completar ningún trabajo sobre la Carretera Forestal 3680. Los bomberos están implementando planes de reparación de supresión en el área del Incendio Flat. Otros grupos adicionales, incluyendo excavadores, trabajaran en la limpieza de las líneas de incendio, tratando de retornar el área a su estado original.

Las áreas para Emergencia de Incendio y las Ordenes de Cierre de Carreteras aún se encuentran en efecto: Permanece en pie la Orden de Cierre para los incendios Anvil y Flat emitida por el Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou (RRSNF)y la Agencia para el Manejo de Tierras en el distrito de Coos Bay. Puede encontrar mapas e información más detallada en: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts  o https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire

Líneas Informativas: (541) 216-4579 o (541) 237-6369                     

Email: 2023.anvil@firenet.gov 

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023 

X/Twitter: twitter.com/RRSNF 

Inciweb Anvil Fire: bit.ly/AnvilFireOR 

Inciweb Flat Fire: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex 

Saturday, September 30, 2023 – 8:00 A.M.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 16

John Goss, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-536-0767

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov 

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

This update covers 6 of the 15 fires being managed as part of the SRF Lightning Complex. The Copper Fire (2184 acres) was absorbed by the Blue Creek #2 Fire. On September 22, 2023, the Bluff #1 Fire (4270 acres) and Blue Creek #2 Fire (9751 acres) were absorbed by the Mosquito Fire. The combination of Blue Creek #2 Fire, Bluff #1 Fire, and Mosquito Fire is now referred to as the Mosquito Fire. Yesterday we incorporated the management of the Hancock fire. The remaining 6 fires (Big Foot, Blue Creek, Creek, Flat, Iron, and Merrill) totaling 34 acres, are contained and in patrol status. They are checked daily, and their size and containment remain unchanged. 

Current Situation:

The 15 fires on this incident total 49,341 acres and overall containment is 18%. In total, 714 personnel are assigned to the incident. A reduction to the forest closure order occurred today. See the link at the bottom of this update for further detail. This written incident update will be distributed every other day starting today. If fire conditions necessitate this update will return to being distributed as often as necessary. 

Crews continue to actively assess the conditions of the Pearch and Mosquito Fires, particularly in response to recent wet weather conditions. Prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public is paramount, given that recent rainfall has heightened the risk of fire-weakened trees falling due to the saturation of soil. Continuous monitoring efforts have been extended to cover the remote Marlow Fire and the north side of the Mosquito Fire. Progress was slowed due to wet weather on the mowing and mastication work along the Bluff Creek Road and Slate Creek Road. This work is intended to establish a fuel break for potential future needs. On the Pearch Fire, the process of backhauling pumps and hoses from locations where they are no longer needed is ongoing. 

Firefighters are closely monitoring the Highway 96 corridor and Salmon River Road for any signs of falling rocks, debris, or fire activity. Both CalTrans and Siskiyou County crews remain on standby to clear roadways if necessary. Special attention is being given to assessing and mitigating the risk posed by fire-weakened trees with root systems affected by wet soils before reengaging on fire control lines. While there has been a reduction in fire activity, several areas still contain heat sources and large diameter trees that continue to burn and generate smoke. Therefore, smoke may remain visible across all areas affected by the fires as warmer and dryer conditions return in the coming days.

Pearch Fire (12,125 acres, 31% contained) – Firefighters will maintain a watchful eye on the Highway 96 corridor and Salmon River Road for falling rocks and debris. Both CalTrans and Siskiyou County crews are ready to promptly clear any obstructions. Continued efforts will focus on packing up and backhauling pumps, hose, and other equipment. While recent rainfall has subdued fire activity, the fire has not been fully extinguished.

Mosquito Fire (33,319 acres, 10% contained) – Crews and equipment have returned to the Bluff Creek Road and Slate Creek Road to resume mastication work, aimed at creating a fuel break along these routes. Several days of mastication work are anticipated to prepare these roads effectively. Fire managers will maintain vigilance regarding fire activity on the north side, which remains in a remote location. On the east and west sides of the fire, crews continue to secure control lines and address hot spots near the line.

Marlow Fire (1,988 acres, 0% contained) – Minimal activity is reported on the Marlow Fire, which is in a remote area. The fire is contained by indirect control lines to the east and south, as well as prior fire footprints where fuels are less dense. No values or structures are currently threatened by the Marlow Fire.

Monument (2 acres, 100% contained), Let er-Buck (96 acres, 100% contained) and Hancock (1,729 acres, 100% contained) Fires – A confinement strategy has been employed for these three fires due to the limited values at risk and the challenging, remote, and steep terrain, which presents safety concerns for firefighters. Natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings and old fire footprints with sparse fuels are being used to contain fire growth until the arrival of season-ending precipitation. Regular monitoring ensures that both fires remain within an acceptable perimeter, all are now considered 100% contained.

Weather: Isolated showers will remain possible through midday Saturday with clouds slowly beginning to clear in the afternoon. Winds by afternoon and evening will become north-northeast and breezy. Sustained winds are expected to increase to between 15 and 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph along the ridges and exposed areas. Strong winds will continue into Sunday before slowly diminishing by late in the day. Temperatures Saturday will be a few degrees warmer than Friday with Sunday seeing slightly warmer temperatures as compared to Saturday. Drier air will move in beginning Sunday allowing minimum humidity values to fall into the 30 to 40 percent range.

Please stay informed and exercise caution in the affected areas and be aware that warmer and drier conditions may lead to ongoing fire-related challenges.

Evacuation Information

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices 

Closures

Six Rivers National Forest: Area and campground closures are in effect on portions of Six Rivers National Forest. They can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395. 

Additional Fire Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-2023-srf-lightning-complex-and-redwood-lightning-complex 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2023SRFRedwoodLightning

More Fire Information Links: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio 

For Air Quality Information: www.airnow.gov 

NOTE: For information about the Elliot Fire which is part of the

Happy Camp Complex, please visit https://linktr.ee/happycampcomplex2023 .

Lookout, Bedrock, Petes Lake, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Morning Update – 9:00 a.m.

 

Lookout Fire: Size: 25,751 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 50%

Bedrock Fire: Size: 31,590 acres | Start Date: July 22 l Cause: Under Investigation l Containment: 98%

Petes Lake Fire: Size: 3,254 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Completion: 80%

Horse Creek Fire: Size: 763 acres | Start Date: August 24 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Pothole Fire: Size: 109 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Total Assigned Personnel: 521 | 13 engines | 11 crews | 2 dozers | 4 water tenders | 1 masticator | 2 helicopters

(Walterville, Ore.) – The Lookout fire area received an estimated half an inch of rain in the past 24 hours, limiting fire behavior to an internal smolder. However, this weather has resulted in slick and muddy forest roads, particularly where most suppression repair is ongoing. To avoid causing further damage, yesterday’s efforts were focused on paved surfaces. 

Suppression Repair: Repair work will continue as weather permits, focusing on rehabilitating areas affected by suppression actions. This includes naturalizing hand and dozer lines, removing suppression-generated materials, and stabilizing soil to prevent erosion. Most of the fires experienced continuous rain, leaving the ground too wet for dozer line repair and roads too hazardous for access, especially in the southeastern region of the Lookout Fire.  A drying trend is forecast, allowing work in these areas to resume as conditions improve. Repair activities remain extensive and ongoing, ensuring that ecosystems and landscapes are restored to their natural states while prioritizing safety. 

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER): Similar to the BAER assessment on the Bedrock Fire, an Emergency Response Team of resource specialists has begun field surveys and assessments for the burned areas of the Lookout, Pothole, and Horse Creek fires. The team will inventory critical values, assess risk and determine the need for emergency measures and treatments on the Forest. For more information and updates regarding this BAER team’s assessment, follow the Willamette National Forest Facebook and the Lookout Fire Facebook.

Weather: A drying trend is predicted to move into the area this afternoon. Temperatures will remain with highs in the lower 60s and overnight lows into the 40s. Temperatures will increase, with highs reaching the upper 70s in the coming week. 

Forest Closures: The Willamette National Forest adjusted closure orders for the Lookout Fire yesterday. There are no emergency closures in place from the Petes Lake Fire at this time. Please visit the Willamette National Forest Official Website for updated fire closures and maps. Current emergency closure orders on National Forest System lands may affect some hunting units. For specific hunting related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000.

Restrictions: Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Willamette National Forest rescinded public use (fire) restrictions, lowered the fire danger level to “low” and reduced the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to IFPL I on Wednesday. Last Friday, the Deschutes National Forests dropped public use (fire) restrictions. Temporary Flight Restrictions over the fire areas have been lifted.