Single Publication

Size: 5,647 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 572 | Containment: 38%

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber within the Yamsay Mountain Semi-Primitive Area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 13 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. The fire spread north and east into managed timber stands on National Forest lands with brush and grass understory and it remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. Yesterday, the Lake County Sheriff lifted evacuations for the Buck Creek Fire area, but the forest closure order remains in effect. Public and firefighter safety are the incident’s top priority.

A tool that is becoming more prevalent in wildland fire suppression is the Unstaffed Aircraft System (UAS/drone). The drones are flown by trained pilots from the ground and are not operated in areas where helicopters are flying. On the Buck Creek Fire, a UAS outfitted with infrared detection technology is being used to help firefighters pinpoint hot spots as small as a coffee cup. The UAS records and transmits the location of each area of heat so firefighters on the ground can then quickly reach and extinguish the hot spot. This capability provides fire managers with even greater assurance that a fire will remain within the containment lines.

Buck Creek:  Last night, crews patrolled to ensure fire did not cross constructed fire lines. During the day, warmer and drier conditions resulted in a slight increase in fire activity inside the fire perimeter. Water tenders and road graders worked to return National Forest roads on the northwest area of the fire to their condition prior to fire suppression activities. All around the fire’s edges, firefighters continued to strengthen fire lines by extinguishing hot spots. Crews worked to fall hazardous trees as needed to create safer working conditions for firefighting and road grading efforts.

Today, crews will work on roads around the fire including Forest Roads 2700 and 7645. A UAS pilot will use infrared technology to detect heat on the north and east edges of the fire. Crews around the fire are mopping up and patrolling to make sure fire lines stay secure. In areas where fire managers are confident the fire line is contained, they are beginning to remove fire hose, pumps and other equipment that is no longer needed. Helicopters remain available to assist on-the-ground crews as conditions allow. 

Evacuations: In coordination with fire managers, the Lake County Sheriff has lifted evacuations for the Buck Creek Fire.  Go to www.lakecountyor.org for details about evacuation levels. 

Weather:  High pressure is expected to bring clear skies and light winds through the remainder of the week. It will become slightly warmer and drier with maximum temperature in the low 70s and minimum humidity in the high 20s.

Safety: Firefighting equipment and personnel are present on local roads. Fire managers ask the public to drive attentively and remain clear of the fire areas. The public also plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire by using caution with all ignition sources. For fire prevention tips, visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. 

Closures and Restrictions: Current fire danger is high and restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest.A forest closure order is in effect for the area around the Buck Creek Fire. For the complete order and map as well as more detail on fire restrictions, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema. Christmas Valley Airport is being used as the helibase for fire operations and is temporarily closed to general aviation. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Buck Creek Fire. 

Smoke:  Smoke from fires around the region may affect air quality. For more information on conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov.