Single Publication

Cedar Creek Fire
 

October 1, 2022 | Update 8:30 AM | Size: 120,655 acres | Contained: 27% | Start Date: August 1,2022 | Origin: 15 miles east of Oakridge, OR 
Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 1,022  | Resources: 28 engines; 18 crews; 19 heavy equipment; 8 helicopters  

A shift in wind direction has been contributing to an increase in fire activity and gusts out of the east have pushed smoke from across the fire toward the community of Oakridge and surrounding areas. This east wind is expected to continue and increase over the weekend. Unlike the east wind event several weeks ago that generated extreme fire behavior, this eastly wind is accompanied by cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and, thanks to firefighter efforts, a reduced fuel load.
 
West Zone Operations: Yesterday, crews and heavy equipment continued work to repair areas that have been disturbed by firefighting activities along the northern edge of the fire. A task force of firefighting resources will be engaged along the southwest edge of the fire where there is uncontained fire line that could be tested by wind conditions and rising temperatures. Poor air quality in the Highway 58 corridor, Oakridge and adjacent communities is expected to persist throughout the weekend. Temperature inversions will trap smoke in the valleys and drainages during the morning hours and into the afternoon. For air quality resources, see the links below.  
 
East Zone Operations: The cool, rainy weather cleared out, yielding to an easterly wind. The east winds will be more moderate on the east side and will begin to subside overnight. Remaining fuels are dry enough for creeping and smoldering fire behavior to resume but the winds will not be strong enough to cause fire spread. Due to higher east winds on the west side, an east side task force will be loaned to the west side. Crews on the east side continued chipping, masticating, removing slash, and other heavy equipment operations. Crews were able to begin shifting to suppression repair. Removal of all structural protection at Cultus Lake was completed yesterday. Crews continued repairing roads and other infrastructure including damage identified yesterday on a road near Odell Lake.

Weather: Increased temperatures and gusting winds out of the east are predicted throughout the weekend. As the warming and drying trend continues, relative humidities will continue to drop. Sunday will remain warm and dry, but winds will begin to diminish and shift to westerly.