Single Publication

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

September 3, 2023

Daily Fire Update

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

Total personnel: 599 | Total Resources: 11 engines; 24 crews; 2 helicopters; 3 heavy equipment; 4 water tenders        

Firefighters are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity to develop safe and methodical plans for engaging the Grizzly Fire in this difficult terrain. Fire behavior has been minimal and the fires have had no growth over the past few days. Challenges including inaccessible, steep terrain, and numerous snags that take significant time and effort to mitigate.

Brice Creek Fire: Size: 583 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 15%

Hotshots completed hand line on the western flank yesterday and tied it into FS 2216 Road, effectively halting growth on the north and west fire perimeters. Primary fireline improvement along FS 22 Road continues today to prepare for tactical firing operations when conditions allow. Firefighters will resume the important but tedious mop-up process in deep duff and heavy downed wood, adding depth to firelines.

Dinner Fire: Size: 304 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 30%

Successful mop-up work yesterday helped to further secure the fire perimeter and contributed to an increase in containment. Today crews are still working to mitigate snags to gain better access to areas of the fire to expand upon mop-up operations. (Small decrease in acreage due to more accurate mapping.)

Grizzly Fire: Size: 92 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, firefighters face continued challenges in gaining access to the fire. Yesterday, sprinkler kits, flame-resistant wrap, and water handling equipment arrived to continue structure protection operations. Crews scouted potential areas for direct fireline in areas that are largely inaccessible by vehicles and encountered numerous challenges that posed a serious risk to firefighter safety that could not be mitigated. Today, additional scouting for primary lines will resume as well as structure protection work as fire crews begin setting up sprinkler systems and wrapping structures. Smokejumpers will work on wrapping the historic Fairview Peak Lookout and Musick Guard Station.

Weather: Temperatures will be slightly cooler than yesterday, with winds from the west-northwest gusting to 15 mph. There is a chance of showers in the late afternoon.

Evacuations: Lane County issued a Level 2 Evacuation (Be Set) for all private lands and mining claims in the Bohemia areas within the Cottage Grove Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest.

Safety and Closures: There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area. Please use extra caution while driving this holiday weekend. Expect to see an increase in traffic, fire apparatus, and heavy equipment with a potential for wet roadways and fog.

Brice Creek Fire Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-brice-creek-fire

Dinner Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-dinner-fire

Grizzly Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-grizzly-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bricecreekdinnergrizzlyfires2023/

Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM      Email: 2023.dinner@firenet.gov