Single Publication

Cedar Creek Fire

September 30, 2022 | Update 8:30 AM | Size: 120,546 acres | Contained: 27% | Start Date: August 1, 2022 | Origin: 15 miles east of Oakridge, OR | Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 1,252  | Resources: 33 engines; 26 crews; 27 heavy equipment; 9 helicopters  


West Zone Operations: Work continued yesterday to secure fire perimeter nearest to the communities of Oakridge, Westfir, and High Prairie ahead of anticipated weather that could challenge containment lines. A taskforce of engines, crews, and equipment will be arriving ahead of a new weather system pushing in from the east to aid in this work and reinforce containment lines along the southwestern edge. With the change in weather, smoke is expected to impact surrounding communities beginning today and continue over the next few days.  As containment increases, efforts will be shifted toward assessing damage from the fire and repair work across the fire area. Many areas must be cleared of hazards before recreation sites and trails can safely reopen. The work to assess and accomplish this workload will be ongoing for some time.  

East Zone Operations: Due to recent cooler and wetter conditions, fire activity has been minimal. As temperatures warm and fuels dry, the fire is expected to resume smoldering, but little activity or growth is expected. Although inclement weather prevented aircraft from flying yesterday, air support may take place today as weather permits. Ground crews remained busy reducing fuel loads by chipping, masticating, and removing brush. Crews were also active cleaning up, relocating equipment, and road grading. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway/Route 46 remains closed from Lava Lake in the north to Crescent Cutoff Road in the south. Highway 58 is open; however, Oregon Department of Transportation paving operations may cause delays. Please respect Forest closures. Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 U.S.C §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

Weather: A significant warming and drying trend begins Friday as gusty east winds develop over the fire. Warm, dry, breezy weather is expected from Friday through the weekend with the potentially most challenging combination of wind and low humidity occurring Saturday.

Closures: The Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest both have closures and fire restrictions in effect. Some of these closures will remain in effect until areas that have been heavily impacted by the fire are surveyed for safety hazards. Please visit Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest for the most recent closure orders and maps. The Incident Command Post has been established at the industrial park in Oakridge along with a camping area for firefighters near the Hills Creek Dam. This area is in use by firefighters and closed to the public. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. The use of drones is prohibited in the fire area, please make it safe for our firefighters to use aircraft on the fire. Pacific Crest Trail hikers should visit pcta.org for current information. 

Smoke: 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.