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  Information Line: 541-208-1742 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Fire Cause: Lightning 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 659 

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,644 

Resources (Includes Pyramid Fire Resources): 2 Type 1 Hotshot crews, 8 Type 2 crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 3 helicopters, 23 engines, 6 dozers, 155 heavy equipment (masticators, skid steers, feller bunchers, etc.) 

Summary 

Heavy fuels retain heat and may serve as ignition sources as drying conditions continue. Low to moderate fire 

behavior is likely and may include flare-ups and isolated torching as surface heat aligns with dry fuels. Interior areas within the four fires are primarily experiencing creeping, and smoldering fire characteristics. Residual heat sources are well interior of the containment features except in the 208 fire which continues to experience intense heat in the 

south and southwest edges of the fire. 

Chalk Fire (5,788 acres, 66% containment) 

Crews continue to secure fire edge as directly as possible to protect the communities of High Prairie, Westfir, and Oakridge to the south; the Highway 58 and Union Pacific Railroad corridors and west; the community of Lowell and private timber lands to the west; and infrastructure and cultural sites throughout the fire area. 

Moss Mountain Fire (923 acres, 0% containment) 

Keep the fire north of private timber lands in the Simpson Block by improving and holding forest road systems. Provide indirect tactics to confine northward spread. Protect Highway 58, Union Pacific Railroad corridors and Wolf Mountain Communications site to the north, and infrastructure and cultural sites throughout the area. 

208 Fire (602 acres, 0% containment) Monitor fire activity. Implement indirect line construction outside the Diamond Peak Wilderness to protect Forest and private timberlands to the west. 

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained) Monitor fire and ensure it remains fully 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 

Very warm and dry conditions are expected to return to the area Wednesday and until the end of the week due to high pressure settles overhead. Temps will rise into the 80s and 90s and relative humidity will fall each afternoon into the teens. Winds will be light, but we still expect elevated fire behavior. Another storm system brings a chance for 

storms Friday into Saturday. 

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.