Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update  

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires 

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south  

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

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov  

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1742 

Saturday, August 31, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 622 

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,169 

Resources (Includes Pyramid Fire Resources): 1 Type 1 Hotshot crew, 7 Type 2 crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 4 helicopters, 17 engines, 5 dozers, 150 heavy equipment (masticators, skid steers, feller bunchers, etc.)  

Fire Cause: Lightning   

Summary  

With warmer, drier weather, some smoke was seen on Friday as smoldering heavy fuels flared up in interior areas of the fires. Helicopters made numerous water drops, assisting firefighters on the ground to check the spread of latent heat sources. The total incident acreage increased slightly as the fire crept through previously unburned interior pockets. Still, there was no additional outward spread on any of the fires in the complex. The focus remains on improving indirect firelines and contingency lines and preventing residual hot spots from spreading. 

Chalk Fire (5,774 acres, 66% containment)  

Patrolling continues on completed containment lines on the fire's north, east, and south sides. Crews are progressing with grading and brushing the Forest Service Road 1824 west of the fire and on other surrounding roads, improving their value as contingency lines.  

Moss Mountain Fire (874 acres, 0% containment)  

Firefighters worked on the east and north sides of the fire Friday, getting water on hot spots using a hose lay, supplemented by helicopter bucket drops. Today’s focus will be on reinforcing indirect lines, especially along the fire’s west edge where several hot spots remain, and uphill fire runs and torching remain possible. 

208 Fire (255 acres, 0% containment)  

Monitoring continues using aircraft. Ground crews keep working to improve contingency lines surrounding the fire. Helicopter water drops will be used when feasible on emerging hot spots.  

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Creek Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,181 acres, 100% contained) 

These fires remain in monitor/patrol status. Mop-up continues on the Coffeepot Fire, as scattered hot spots remain. Helicopters may drop water on hot spots as necessary to keep these fires reined in.  

Weather and Fire Behavior  

Humidities have remained low and temperatures high the past two nights, accelerating drying of heavy fuels after the recent rains. Relative humidities stayed in the teens most of Friday. Today will bring one more day of hot, dry weather before a weak storm system sends cooler, more humid conditions Sunday through Tuesday. Chances for precipitation from that system are low. Warmer, drier weather returns on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions  

• For specific closure information, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024   
• For current fire restrictions, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024   
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov  for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.