Cedar Creek Fire
October 19, 2022
Daily Fire Update

Cedar Creek Fire Quick Facts
Size: 126,222 acres | Origin: 15 miles E of Oakridge, OR | Containment: 50% | Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 580 | Resources: 17 engines; 11 crews; 7 helicopters; 9 heavy equipment | Start Date: August 1, 2022

Weather: Wednesday will provide for slightly higher temperature conditions with highs in the mid to upper 70’s, and lower relative humidity between 20 – 30 percent. Winds will be variable out of the southeast in the morning to north in the afternoon, with windspeeds less than 10mph. Starting Thursday, the pressure will drop and temperatures will start to cool, with slightly higher humidity; a trend which will progress toward the weekend. Precipitation in the 1 – 1-1/2 inch range is expected for our area on Friday evening through Sunday evening, with 4+ inches of snow possible on Saturday in the higher elevations.

Operations: Poor air quality continues to impact communities around the fire area as strong inversions lock smoke from interior fire activity into valleys and drainages. Even with significant smoke in the air, the fire remains within control lines and there is no threat to containment. Crews are engaged in holding and securing any areas of increased heat along the edges by cooling and creating depth along the line. Air resources have been operating whenever weather and visibility allow for safe flying, providing support to firefighters on the ground. These air resources will be scaling back over the next few days. The recent new start, which began south Waldo Lake on Monday, has been extinguished at approximately 0.1 acres and smoke jumpers have returned to their base.

Repair projects across the fire area are ongoing. Firefighters are focusing efforts along the southern edge to mop up and secure control lines in areas where the fire had previously challenged containment. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol in multiple divisions of the fire area. Assessment and repair continue around road systems along the northern edge of the fire. In Division Romeo on the southeast corner, heavy equipment is working to complete suppression repair projects. The west side of the fire perimeter will also see continued repair operations.

With higher temperatures and lower relative humidity on Wednesday, fire activity may increase in the afternoon and the inversion may lift creating a short period of increased visibility and decreased smoke conditions.

Closures: There are closures in effect on the Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest. These closures will remain in place until areas impacted by the fire are surveyed for safety risks and fire crews are able to mitigate these hazards. Please respect Forest closures for firefighter and public safety. Please visit Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest for the most recent closure orders and maps. Pacific Crest Trail hikers should visit pcta.org for current information. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cedar Creek Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Air quality conditions due to smoke are expected to be Good to Hazardous within the forecast area. Smoke impacts will be heavily dependent on fire activity. For current conditions, see Fire.airnow.gov, oakridgeair.org, and LRAPA - Today's Current Air Quality. Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook.

Evacuations: A map of the evacuation area is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CedarCreek. Sign-up for emergency mobile alerts by going to oralert.gov. Please check with Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911 for updates and changes.

Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8307/ | www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/ www.tinyurl.com/cedarcreekfireyoutube

Fire Information Line: 541-201-2335, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | For Media Inquiries: 541-327-9925 | Email: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 52 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  47 of those reported fires are out.  

Votler (October 19): The one (1) acre fire was located approximately one (1) mile west of Gibbonsville on the North Fork Ranger District.  The fire burning in grass, Ponderosa pine, and dead and down timber is out.  The fire was likely human caused.  

Cabin (October 16): The one (1) acre fire was located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire burning in spruce and fir is out.  The fire is likely human caused.  

Cedarville Fire (October 16): The one (1) acre fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire is burning in spruce and fir is 100% contained and controlled.  The fire is likely human caused.  

Patterson Fire (September 29): The lightning fire is estimated at 263 acres.  The fire is located approximately 13 miles southeast of May on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.  The fire is burning in subalpine and Douglas fir, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a combination of a point protection and confine and contain strategies.  This strategy focuses operations on protecting valued resources such as structures, natural resources, cultural resources, and other property.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number priority for the Patterson Fire.  

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,278 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.  

Moose (July 17):  The 130,198 acre fire is 80% contained.  An Incident Commander (IC) and IC Trainee along with two (2) engines and a helicopter are assigned to the fire.  Starting late Friday, precipitation fell across the fire area, rain in the lower elevations and snow in the higher elevations.  Crews have been evaluating fire effects in the Municipal Watershed.  Initial assessments show fire effects are not detrimental to the health of the watershed.  Ongoing information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,834 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Weather:  Skies will continue to clear through the morning before clouds increase again this afternoon ahead of the next approaching low.  Snow will enter the area around noon and continue throughout the day.  Snow accumulations will be greatest across the Sawtooths, where 2 to 6 inches are likely.  Winds will be breezy, with gusts 20 to 30 mph. 

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  Never leave a campfire unattended.  Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out.  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! 

Nationally, there are 13 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 29 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 52 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  47 of those reported fires are out.  

Votler (October 19): The one (1) acre fire was located approximately one (1) mile west of Gibbonsville on the North Fork Ranger District.  The fire burning in grass, Ponderosa pine, and dead and down timber is out.  The fire was likely human caused.  

Cabin (October 16): The one (1) acre fire was located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire burning in spruce and fir is out.  The fire is likely human caused.  

Cedarville Fire (October 16): The one (1) acre fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire is burning in spruce and fir is 100% contained and controlled.  The fire is likely human caused.  

Patterson Fire (September 29): The lightning fire is estimated at 263 acres.  The fire is located approximately 13 miles southeast of May on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.  The fire is burning in subalpine and Douglas fir, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a combination of a point protection and confine and contain strategies.  This strategy focuses operations on protecting valued resources such as structures, natural resources, cultural resources, and other property.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number priority for the Patterson Fire.  

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,278 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.  

Moose (July 17):  The 130,198 acre fire is 80% contained.  An Incident Commander (IC) and IC Trainee along with two (2) engines and a helicopter are assigned to the fire.  Starting late Friday, precipitation fell across the fire area, rain in the lower elevations and snow in the higher elevations.  Crews have been evaluating fire effects in the Municipal Watershed.  Initial assessments show fire effects are not detrimental to the health of the watershed.  Ongoing information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,834 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering, precipitation was received over the fire area throughout the weekend.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Weather:  Skies will continue to clear through the morning before clouds increase again this afternoon ahead of the next approaching low.  Snow will enter the area around noon and continue throughout the day.  Snow accumulations will be greatest across the Sawtooths, where 2 to 6 inches are likely.  Winds will be breezy, with gusts 20 to 30 mph. 

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  Never leave a campfire unattended.  Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out.  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! 

Nationally, there are 13 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 29 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

#MooseFire Yesterday, fire activity was moderate.  The fire continues to creep and smolder on the ground, consuming concentrations of ground fuels with occasional single-tree torching.  Smoke continues to be visible in the Municipal Watershed, near the head of Webbfoot Creek, and near the Diamond Line.  Fire activity in the Municipal Watershed is an area where the fire is uncontained, the other two areas of smoke are within the interior of the fire and not a threat to containment lines.  Winds are predicted to increase today but humidity stays elevated as moisture begins moving into the region.  Rainfall is predicated to spread across the fire area late afternoon through the evening. 

An Incident Commander (IC) and IC Trainee along with two (2) engines and a helicopter are assigned to the fire. Fire managers are currently balancing the risk to responders, in the steep, rugged, remote terrain, which has a high component of snags, with threats to the Municipal Watershed. Crews continue to engage the fire, mopping up hot spots, where it is safe to do so, primarily along the Ridge Road. In addition, crews continue to fall trees along the Ridge and Stormy Peak roads where there is potential for trees to fall across the roadway and block access. 

Crews are evaluating fire effects in the Municipal Watershed. Initial assessments show current fire effects are not detrimental to the health of the watershed. If additional fire resources are needed for the Moose Fire, fire managers will order the resources to come in and assist. 

The public is utilizing the five (5) low stacked and processed log decks along the Ridge Road, south of 5 Corners, which are signed for public firewood.  This available wood is primarily green fuelwood which is a result of the suppression efforts for the Moose Fire.  A permit is required to gather from these decks.  

Winds increase above critical levels this afternoon, but humidities stay elevated as moisture begins moving into the region. Rainfall spreads across the district late afternoon through the evening.  Snow levels drop through the day Saturday behind cold frontal passage, bringing light snow down to valley floors. The heaviest precipitation is expected late Friday night through Saturday.  Widespread rain and snow gives way to snow showers for Saturday night through Sunday. Total accumulations range from around an inch at valley floors to 8 to 14 inches above 7000 feet with potentially higher amounts above 9000 feet.  

Information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/.

#MooseFire Yesterday, fire activity was minimal during the morning and early afternoon.  Late in the afternoon, fire activity increased high on the ridge west of Salmon (photo).  The fire continues to creep and smolder on the ground, consuming concentrations of ground fuels.  With the increased activity yesterday, single-tree and group tree torching was observed.  Fire managers are flying the fire this morning and the Forest will share more information after the flight.  Smoke continues to be visible in the Municipal Watershed, near the head of Webbfoot Creek, and near the Diamond Line.  Fire activity in the Municipal Watershed is an area where the fire is uncontained, the other two areas of smoke are within the interior of the fire and not a threat to containment lines.  Winds are predicted to increase today and tomorrow ahead of a Pacific storm with a mix of rain and snow forecasted starting Friday evening.  An increase in fire behavior is anticipated with the forecasted winds.   

An Incident Commander (IC) and IC Trainee along with two (2) engines and a helicopter are assigned to the fire. Fire managers are currently balancing the risk to responders, in the steep, rugged, remote terrain, which has a high component of snags, with threats to the Municipal Watershed. Crews continue to engage the fire, mopping up hot spots, where it is safe to do so, primarily along the Ridge Road. In addition, crews continue to fall trees along the Ridge and Stormy Peak roads where there is potential for trees to fall across the roadway and block access. 

Crews are evaluating fire effects in the Municipal Watershed. Initial assessments show current fire effects are not detrimental to the health of the watershed. If additional fire resources are needed for the Moose Fire, fire managers will order the resources to come in and assist. 

A hazard tree and infrastructure assessment for Wallace Lake Campground is complete.  The team is finalizing a plan to address and remove the hazards trees in the campground and around the lake.  They are also estimating how long it will take to accomplish this task.  Work will begin as crews are available and the weather allows for the work to be accomplished in a safe manner.  The water system is damaged, the water system will have to be repaired before water will be available.  

The public is utilizing the five (5) low stacked and processed log decks along the Ridge Road, south of 5 Corners, which are signed for public firewood.  This available wood is primarily green fuelwood which is a result of the suppression efforts for the Moose Fire.  A permit is required to gather from these decks.  

High pressure begins to break down today ahead of incoming Pacific storm for the weekend. Expect gusty afternoon winds today, with warm temperatures and dry humidities. Windier conditions will arrive Friday, but incoming cloud cover and precipitation will keep humidities above critical thresholds. Rainfall is expected by late Friday, becoming widespread Friday night into the weekend.  Cold frontal passage Friday night begins lowering snow levels to valley floors by Saturday night. Accumulations are expected above 5500 feet with at least a mix of rain and snow at valley floors. 

Information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/.

#MooseFire An infrared flight was conducted last night.  The Moose Fire is now at 130,198 acres.  The fire has grown 54 acres in the last six days.  Yesterday, fire activity was minimal.  The fire continues to creep and smolder on the ground, consuming concentrations of ground fuels.  Smoke was visible in the Municipal Watershed, near the head of Webbfoot Creek, and near the Diamond Line yesterday.  Fire activity in the Municipal Watershed is an area where the fire is uncontained, the other two areas of smoke are within the interior of the fire and not a threat to containment lines.  

An Incident Commander (IC) and IC Trainee along with two (2) engines and a helicopter are assigned to the fire. Fire managers are currently balancing the risk to responders, in the steep, rugged, remote terrain, which has a high component of snags, with threats to the Municipal Watershed. Crews continue to engage the fire, mopping up hot spots, where it is safe to do so, primarily along the Ridge Road. In addition, crews continue to fall trees along the Ridge and Stormy Peak roads where there is potential for trees to fall across the roadway and block access. 

Crews are evaluating fire effects in the Municipal Watershed. Initial assessments show current fire effects are not detrimental to the health of the watershed. If additional fire resources are needed for the Moose Fire, fire managers will order the resources to come in and assist. 

A hazard tree assessment for Wallace Lake Campground is being conducted today.  A team will summarize the work needed to be accomplished as well as the amount of time that work will take prior to opening the campground to the public. More information will be shared on the assessment after it is completed. 

The public is utilizing the five (5) low stacked and processed log decks along the Ridge Road, south of 5 Corners, which are signed for public firewood.  This available wood is primarily green fuelwood which is a result of the suppression efforts for the Moose Fire.  A permit is required to gather from these decks.  

Warm and dry conditions continue into Thursday. The ridge begins to breakdown Thursday ahead of an incoming storm system for the weekend. Winds become elevated Thursday and Friday, and localized marginal critical conditions may be possible. Precipitation becomes widespread Saturday with cold frontal passage. Expect a mix of valley rain/snow and mountain snow through the weekend, along with colder temperatures. 

Information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/.

Loch Katrine Fire, Suiattle River Fire, and Boulder Lake Fire
Daily Update, October 18, 2022, 11:00 AM

Resources continue to arrive to support all firefighting efforts around the perimeter of each of these fires. Assessment of each fires’ footprint is ongoing, with plans being developed and implemented from those assessments to limit fire growth.

The Loch Katrine Fire is estimated at 1,620 acres. Among the many resources that have arrived, 5 hand crews and about a dozen engines joined the efforts yesterday and will continue forward through the duration of the incident. Monday, ground resources scouted access points around the fire and planned strategies to safely engage at strategic points and find opportunities to limit fire spread and minimize impacts to values at risk. Due to the topography, it is difficult for crews to access the fireline directly, so work is focused on improving nearby roads and other areas as containment lines as well as establishing safety zones. Some small-scale burning operations, designed to remove unburned fuel between control lines and the fire’s edge, are ongoing to strengthen and secure the lines and gain containment. This work, combined with aviation support, will continue today.

The Suiattle River Fire is 3,704 acres as of October 17, 2022. Fire activity was reduced yesterday with the moderated weather conditions. The primary objectives on the Suiattle River Fire are to minimize impact to; private structures and property, Bureau of Land Management land, critical cultural resources, high value timber land, and Forest Service Infrastructure (Suiattle Guard Station, Buck Creek Campground and the Darrington Seed Orchard). Firefighters have been successful at securing the fire along Forest Service Road 26 and the Suiattle River. A total of 50 fire personnel are engaged with aviation assets deployed as needed for support on the ground where water drops can be effective.

The Boulder Lake Fire is 2,016 acres and is most active on the west flank above Big Creek. Fire activity was reduced yesterday with the moderated weather conditions. Fire managers are assessing tactics that will minimize potential impacts to values including private land and Washington Department of Natural Resources land.

Evacuation: Level 3(GO) evacuations are in place for the Suiattle River Fire in the Lower Suiattle River Valley. No other evacuations are currently in place for the other fires.

Weather: Today will remain warmer and drier than normal for mid-October. The fire areas have not experienced rain for over 40 days. Patchy fog in the morning with Sunny afternoons. Highs in the mid 60s to 70s. Light westerly winds around 8mph in the afternoon.

Smoke: Mixed smoke with fog in the early mornings and late nights as the inversion sets in. Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups from Bellingham to Seattle, with the heaviest impacts in the Darrington area. Smoke column may be visible from both the I-90 and I-405 highway corridors.

Closures: For public safety, the Suiattle River Road is closed at the junction with Highway 530. Due to their proximity to the Suiattle River Fire, the Darrington Ranger District has closed the Suiattle River Road (Forest Road 26) Recreation facilities and trails: Buck Creek Campground, Boulder Lake Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail, Buck Creek Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Downey Creek Trail, Suiattle Trail, Sulphur Creek Trail, and Sulphur Mountain Trail.

Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8447/ ● Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - US Forest Service ● fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices
Fire Information Line: 425-386-1354, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Email: 2022.lochkatrine@firenet.gov

Loch Katrine, Suiattle River and Boulder Lake Fires 
Daily Update, October 17, 2022