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

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 678

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,179

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 

Yesterday brought high temperatures and low humidity increasing visible fire activity. Fire activity picked up in the heavier stumps and larger trees within the interior of the Willamette Complex South fires. Helicopters delivered numerous water drops to support firefighters on the ground. The total complex acreage increased slightly as fire continued to progress into the interior islands of unburned vegetation. Firefighters continue to focus on improving indirect and contingency lines and cooling down residual hot spots to prevent them from spreading.

Chalk Fire (5,776 acres, 66% containment) 

Firefighters continue to patrol the north, east, and south sides. Significant progress towards containment has been made on the north and west edges as firefighters continue to improve and deepen control lines. Helicopters are being utilized for reconnaissance and bucket drops on the fire if needed.

Moss Mountain Fire (874 acres, 0% containment) 

Work will continue on the indirect lines to the north and contingency lines to the south. Due to increased fire behavior there was growth in the NE perimeter (24 acres). Hotshot crews and Type 1 helicopters are invaluable due to steep terrain, heavy timber and significant rollout. Crews and heavy equipment continue to work along the Forest Service Road 2120 in order to limit growth on the fire. 

208 Fire (260 acres, 0% containment) 

Monitoring continues on the 208 Fire. Yesterday’s resources observed a slight increase in fire behavior due to increased higher temperature, and lower humidity. As a result, some small increases to the perimeter occurred (33acres).

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Creek Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,182 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 in check. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Cooler conditions are forecasted today with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and humidity ranging between 28-41%. A very slight chance of storms are possible Sunday and Monday. 

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.