Incident Publication

KXGV Radio Host Goldie Rocks interviews Great Basin 2 Public Information Officer David Grubich about the Middle Fork Complex on Sept.18, 2024

https://youtu.be/1vNmFRPo-L0?si=Wrxc9hkqf5UMWjYK

Davis Containment at 92%; Fire Transitioning Back to Forest

Final Update by the Southwest Area IMT: September 18, 2024

Acres:  5,824 acres                                                                   Start Date: 09/07/2024

Location: Washoe Valley, Nevada                                             Personnel: 342

Containment: 92%                                                                   Fuels: Timber

Resources: 7 Crews | 2 Helicopters | 10 Engines | 3 Water Tenders | 2 Dozers

Highlights: Firefighters continue focusing on completing tasks in the suppression repair plan and patrolling containment lines today. The fire remains at 5,824 acres and 92%. As of today, 24 miles of hose that has been used on this fire has been rerolled and prepared for use on future wildfires. 

Management of the Davis Fire will transition from Southwest Incident Management Team 1 back to the local agencies and their Type 4 Incident Management Team at 7 a.m. on Thursday, September 18. Communication between the incoming and outgoing teams will continue throughout the day today, to ensure a smooth transition process with the focus of continuous support for the fire crews. The Davis Fire Information phone number 775-446-5520and 2024.davis@firenet.gov email will be discontinued after today. All further calls and emails about the incident can be directed to Washoe County by dialing 311 or washoe311@washoecounty.gov; or by contacting the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at (775) 335-5311 or Erica.Hupp@usda.gov.

Weather: There is a 70% chance of rain showers today as a new weather disturbance approaches, with a slight change for embedded thunderstorms. The high temperatures today will vary between 51 and 62 degrees, with high relative humidity persisting throughout the day. Expect unstable winds today and overcast skies. Rain the past week has assisted by diminishing fire behavior, limiting any smoldering occurring on the fire. Showers will occur after 1300 with a convective rainstorm risk leading to a potential for burn scar flooding or debris flow.

BAER: A burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. For more information the BAER response for the Davis Fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nvhtf-davis-fire-burned-area-emergency-response-baer

Fire Investigation: Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation into the cause of the Davis Fire. If you have credible information, or if you were in the vicinity of the day-use area at Davis Creek Regional Park on September 8th at the start of the fire, contact

775-326-6079 or email info@tmfpd.us.

Closures: A forest area closure remains in effect for the area immediately in and around the Davis Fire burned area. For complete details on the Davis Fire Emergency Closure Order, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices/?aid=90526

Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA

Personnel: 2201

Start date: 09/09/24 1:00 p.m.

Cause: Human

Size: 23, 519

Percent contained: 31%

For a printable version of today's complete update for the Airport Fire, please see the related link below. 

Firefighters are prioritizing continued fire line construction and reinforcement by adding more layers of protection in problem areas. Fire line between Modjeska Peak and Santiago Peak is challenging due to steep, winding terrain.  Oak leaf litter and duff are providing fuel that allows the fire to slowly smolder and spread until it finds enough air to emerge and cause spot fires.  Tree and brush canopy in the area can limit effectiveness of water or retardant drops from incident aircraft requiring firefighters to get in from the ground. A mobile retardant base has been set up on the south end of the fire.  Retardant will be used to reinforce the fire perimeter in areas that have been difficult to access including the area between the San Juan and Chiquito trails near Sugarloaf Mountain. Secondary lines are being reinforced in that area. 

More than 30,000 feet of fire hose has been pulled from the El Cariso Village area. Crews responded to a burning snag well within the fire area last night. Interior hot spots near the area have been been boxed in.

The reopening of Highway 74 has significantly increased traffic. Motorists driving in the area should be aware of crews working near roadways. 

There is still a lot of heat from smoldering vegetation within the perimeter. Firefighters are working diligently to address hot spots to prepare for any potential Santa Ana wind event.  Fire managers remain focused on securing the entire fire perimeter in coming days in advance of warmer, dryer weather. 

For updated evacuation zones, please visit https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco

For updated evacuation zones, please visit http://ocsheriff.gov/airportfire

Airport Fire Map September 18, 2024.jpg

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 13:29

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Airport Fire Map September 18, 2024.jpg

Wiley Flat Fire 

Closures and Evacuation Areas Reduced  

Daily Update September 18, 2024 

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.) 

Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov 

Acres: Wiley Flat – 30,163 acres; 84% contained 

Hawley Ridge – 793 acres; 100% contained 

Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380 

Start Date: September 2, 2024 

Personnel: 358 personnel 

Resources: 8 crews |9 engines | 10 bulldozers | 15 water tenders | 5 masticators | 4 skidgens |5 excavators |2 ambulances  

Highlights: Crews have completed suppression repair on the north, east, and most of the south sides of the fire, and along the indirect lines to the west. They have taken special care to restore areas along the 360 near residences and along private property, as well as restoring creeks disturbed by firefighting dozer work. Firefighters continue to secure and mop up on the direct lines on the west side of the fire. Due to all this hard work, the Wiley Flat fire is now 84% contained, and forest closures and evacuation areas have been significantly reduced. Links to updated closure and evacuation information is below.  

Today’s Weather: Today we will see a mix of sun and clouds with precipitation unlikely in the area of the fire. Cool weather in the fifties will however continue to moderate potential fire behavior. Winds will be lighter with west-northwest winds gusting up to ten to twenty mph. 

Evacuations: The Crook County Sherrif has lowered the evacuation areas as follows The following evacuations are in effect: 

LEVEL 3: Areas inside the fire perimeter are designated Level 3 Evacuation zones. 

LEVEL 2: The area encompassing one half mile from the fire perimeter is designated Level 2 evacuation zone. 

The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures consisting of all geographical areas, including all roads, trails, and recreation sites, on Forest Service land within a portion of the Lookout Mountain Ranger District. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties. 

More Information: 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat 

Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire 

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/ 

Lookout Mountain Ranger District Closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=90382 

BLM Crook and Grant Counties Temporary Closures: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions 

Crook County Emergency Information Map: https://crookcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/minimalist/index.html?appid=3ddd30c1faeb455fb287dfa122d9ea5e  

Size: 5,647 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning | Personnel: 564 | Containment: 22%

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber within the Yamsay Mountain Semi-Primitive Area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 13 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. The fire spread north and east into managed timber stands on National Forest lands with brush and grass understory and it remains about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. Public and firefighter safety remain the incident’s top priority.

As displayed on the Buck Creek Fire map, the heavy black line along portions of the fire perimeter represents sections where the fire is contained. A section of constructed fire line is marked as contained when on-the-ground firefighting supervisors have a high degree of confidence the fire will not reignite and escape the established line. Crews monitor and patrol all constructed fire line for several days -- putting out burning stumps, cooling ash-pits, and walking the line and adjacent areas over and over to confirm the ground is cold to the touch. Infrared technology is also used to identify any remaining hot spots. This deliberate, dirty, and hazardous work creates the confidence to indicate a section of line as contained. To learn more about containment, see the September 17 Facebook post entitled “Breaking the Fire Triangle on the Buck Creek Fire” at https://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO.

Buck Creek: Last night, crews patrolled to ensure fire did not cross constructed fire lines. During the day, breezy conditions resulted in a slight increase in fire activity interior to the perimeter. All around the fire’s edges, firefighters strengthened fire lines by extinguishing hot spots. Crews worked to fall hazardous trees along Forest Road 036, creating safer working conditions for road grading efforts in the coming days.

Today, crews are using water pumped from nearby streams to mop up hot spots in areas of steeper terrain where water tenders cannot reach. Firefighters in other areas are extinguishing hot spots along the remainder of the constructed fire line using water pumped from portable tanks filled by water tenders. Aviation remains available to assist on-the-ground crews as conditions allow. 

Evacuations: In coordination with fire managers, the Lake County Sheriff has established evacuations for the Buck Creek Fire.  Go to www.lakecountyor.org for details about evacuation levels. 

Weather: Last night, the fire area received one-tenth inch of rain. Today, cloudiness will give way to increasing sunshine. High temperature is forecast to reach the 60s, with minimum humidity in the 35-45 % range.

Safety: Firefighting equipment and personnel are present on local roads. Fire managers ask the public to drive attentively and to remain clear of the fire areas. The public also plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire by using caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. 

Closures and Restrictions: Current fire danger is high and restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. A forest closure order is in effect for the area around the Buck Creek Fire. For the complete order and map as well as more detail on fire restrictions, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema.  Christmas Valley Airport is being used as the helibase for fire operations and is temporarily closed to general aviation. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Buck Creek Fire. 

Smoke:  Smoke from multiple fires around the region is affecting air quality. For more information on smoke conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov. 

Willamette Complex North Update

Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, 374 and Pyramid Fires 

Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2024 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-north-willamette-complex 

Willamette Complex North 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565845313387 

Email: 2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov Information line: 541-208-1262 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Overview: The weather has been in our favor. Today we expect partially clouded skies with highs in the mid 60’s. The wind is coming out of the northeast this morning and shifting to the northwest later in the day. According to the incident meteorologist, we can expect these more seasonal conditions for the next five days. With the rain we have received, fire behavior has been very benign. The latest thermal mapping shows that acreage has not changed on any of the fires within the complex. 

Boulder Creek Fire Evacuation Notices EVACUATION LEVEL 1:

South of Highway 126 from milepost 53.5 east to Scott Creek Road and Horse Creek Road east of Foley Springs, Foley Springs, Forest Service Road #302, Belknap Springs Road South, Camp Yale Road, Yale Lane, North of Highway 126 East from the east end of Drury Lane to the end of North Belknap Springs Road. Evacuation Notice Source: www.LaneCountyOR.gov 

Boulder Creek: 511 acres, 0% contained

 Located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. For this fire, firefighters are focusing significant efforts on Highway 126. A chipper and trucks are lined up to remove fire weakened trees and fuel to fully reopen Highway 126 in the near future. The area near Boulder Creek is too challenging for firefighters to construct firelines close to the fire’s edge. Crews are creating a “catcher’s mitt” of containment lines in safer, more accessible terrain to stop fire progression if it moves out of the rugged area. 

Ore: 3,475 acres, 76% contained

 Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River. Firefighters are working to improve primary and secondary firelines. Crews are also locating and extinguishing areas of residual heat and removing fuel through mastication, chipping and hauling. 

374: 58 acres, 0% contained and Linton Creek: 1,301 acres, 0% contained 

Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness. There is still residual heat in the deep duff layer on these fires. Both fires have natural barriers adjacent to them such as rocky areas and old fire scars. Firefighters have done significant work improving local trails in order to serve as firelines. Taking into account this work, the natural barriers and the current and expected fire behavior, fire managers feel it is safer to remove equipment and firefighters on Thursday. These fires will still be monitored, especially if weather becomes more conducive to fire growth. 

Pyramid: 1,311 Acres, 98% contained East of Middle Santiam Wilderness. 

Crews are improving containment lines and working to reduce burnable fuels through mechanized mastication and chipping. Crews will begin rehabilitation work on the roads in the area using graders and other equipment. Road Closures: OR 126 is open to one-lane traffic between mileposts 13 and 19.5 (intersection with OR 242). OR 242 remains closed to all traffic between the intersection with OR 126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75), due to the Linton Creek Fire. Use an alternate route; do not divert onto forest roads to avoid closures. Check for updates at: https://tripcheck.com/ 

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: 

Due to fire activity in the McKenzie River Ranger District, the Linton Creek Fire closure area includes Boulder Creek, 374, Roundtop, as well as other fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District including Young Grasshopper and Lowell Creek fires. Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alertsnotices/?cid=fseprd552029.

Wednesday September 18, 2024 

Gem County and Adam County downgraded evacuation levels per Sheriff’s Offices (see below). 

Emmett and Cascade Ranger Districts on the Boise National Forests are rescinding Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024.  

A Community Meeting will be held in Cascade TODAY, Wednesday September 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cascade Fire Department, 109 East Pine Street, Cascade, Idaho 

Overview: The Lava Fire is on the Boise and Payette National Forests and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire is located north of Emmett and west of Lake Cascade and started by lightning on Monday, September 2. It is burning in tall grass, brush, and timber.  

The Lava Fire is currently 97,844 acres with 44 percent of the perimeter contained. There are 792 personnel are assigned, including 19 crews, 2 large helicopters, 1 small helicopter, 53 engines, 12 bulldozers, 15 water tenders, 6 excavators, 1 skidders and 8 ambulances. 

Any property remaining in an area that is either evacuated or impacted by Forest Service closures must remain in place until fire managers, Sheriff’s departments, and emergency management departments deem the area is safe for reentry.  

Operations: Yesterday, rainy conditions prevented personnel and equipment from engaging on the line due to slick, slippery roads and terrain. When weather was a safety issue out on the fireline, firefighters seized the opportunity to continue their training and equipment maintenance. Personnel rotated participation in an exercise that simulated an “incident within an incident” (IWI). This allowed crews to practice responding to an incident that may occur during a wildfire and enhance their medical response skills. 

Today, fire suppression activities include handlines, dozer lines, engines, helicopters, chippers, drones and suppression repair containment lines around the fire perimeter. 

Structure protection continues all around the fire including God’s Acres, the Cascade Christian Church Camp, Tamarack Ski Resort, Little Weiser Road, and Mesa Communities. Activities include assessments, protection plans, and hose lays. Personnel will identify and map water handling equipment in structure protection areas. 

On the northern flank, firefighters will scout line from Grays Creek Road to the east in steep terrain and timber. A drone infrared (IR) mission is planned weather permitting. Crews are using bulldozers and masticators between Indian Mountain Road and Jeep Mountain Road to complete indirect line. Saw work along the 435 Road to remove hazard trees improving firefighter access to interior lines continues.  

On the eastern flank, chipping operations to reduce heavy fuels around the structures along Forest Service Road 446E and Gopher Road and saw work along the 404 Road system to remove hazard trees continue.  

On the southern flank, Firefighters will engage directly with handlines in the Gross Community and deploy hose lines as needed along Service Road 653 to Sage Hen Reservoir and Forest Service Road 626. Crews will monitor and patrol the southern perimeter line throughout their shift for heat removing all threats to the control line. 

On the western flank, personnel will patrol and monitor all control lines north to south lines for heat by actively mopping up and mitigating all threats to control lines. Patrolling continues around range allotments, grasslands, and private property outside the fire perimeter line. Roads degraded by fire traffic will be maintained with equipment today as suppression repair continues.  

Weather/Fire Behavior: Yesterday, the fire received heavy amounts of rainfall with 0.5-2.25 inches of rain estimated across the entire fire. Light rain showers may persist early this morning with calm and fair-weather conditions the rest of the day. Temperatures will return to the 50s with relative humidity of 60 percent. Light winds are forecasted to remain westerly to northwesterly with gusts in the teens mph. Due to the rain, fire activity is predicted to be minimal with creeping and smoldering in sheltered areas. Firefighters will be watching for new ignitions from recent lightning that may ignite when the sun returns. 

Evacuations: 

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Downgraded to a Level 1 “READY” for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. These evacuations notices are effective as of Tuesday, September 17, 2024.   

Gem County Sheriff’s Office A LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation notice has been issued to residents on Third Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Second Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Nesbitt Lane. The Sage Hen Reservoir area remains in A LEVEL 2 “SET.”   

Gem County Road and Bridge Issued the following road closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. The Sweet-Ola Highway is closed at the High Valley intersection in Ola. Please be advised that the Gem County Sheriff’s Office is staffing the road closure check points.  

Valley County Sheriff’s Office Zones 2 – 6 are in a LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation notice. All remaining zones have been removed from any evacuation status for the Lava Fire effective Tuesday, September 17, 2024.  

Forest Closures and Restrictions: The Boise and Payette National Forests implemented a joint Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure for public and firefighter safety. The closure includes Forest Service lands north of the 601 Road (approximately 7 miles southwest of Smiths Ferry) and north all the way to the northernmost extent of Lake Cascade. The current fire closure order is being reevaluated because of the work by firefighters and recent weather. We expect to have changes to the Closure Order in the next couple of days. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes the use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly. 

Preacher fire 90% contained

Leer en español 

Highlights/Operations: The West Fire continues to slowly back down the south and east slopes of Milk Ranch Point as firefighters work towards the final phase of their plan. Yesterday crews and aerial resources continued establishing fire off Milk Ranch Point to achieve desired fire effects and consumption of the buildup of fuels. They also continued mopping up the perimeters on the north and east side, extinguishing any remaining heat.

Today the focus will be to complete ignitions around the west side of Camp Geronimo. They are patiently waiting for the moment when fire can be applied in the bottoms of the drainages in a way where it will meet the backing fire from above and the intensity will be moderate. Once ignitions are complete around Camp Geronimo, the plan is to continue applying fire westward along the Control Road and off Milk Ranch Point towards the containment line east of Pine. The timing of these actions will depend on how the fire moves and consumes the fuels over the next several days. Engines and firefighters continue to have watering systems and structure protection resources ready and are patrolling both day and night.

The Preacher Fire is now 90 percent contained. Crews will continue to patrol the perimeter and complete the suppression repair work along the constructed lines.

Weather: Dry, breezy, and cooler than normal for Wednesday and Thursday. Highs temperatures 68 to 75 degrees both days. Winds are predicted to be south-southwest 8 to 12 mph with gusts 20 to 25 mph. Minimum humidity levels will range between 20 and 25%.

Safety: The Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) over the Preacher has been lifted. The TFR over West, however, remains in place over the West fire area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. The public is reminded, if you fly we can’t; unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.

Closure:  The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the West Fire, this includes Pine Trailhead. 

Evacuations: Pine residence on the east side of SR 87 and east of North Pine Creek Canyon road are in SET status. Geronimo Estates residents near the West Fire are in SET status. An interactive map is available to stay up to date with evacuation levels related to both the West and Preacher Fires.

Receive emergency notifications from Gila County.

Smoke: During ignitions, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Talk with your doctor and plan for how to manage your health conditions when it is smoky. Additional resources for how to prepare for wildfire smoke.

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest, ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @TontoForest or Instagram @tontonationalforest and on the Tonto National Forest website.

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update

Red, 208, Moss Mountain, Coffee Pot, Tire Mountain, McKinley Creek and Chalk Fires

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024                                    
Fire Causes: Lightning
Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov                      
Information Phone Line: 541-208-1742

Willamette Complex South:             Total Personnel: 441  |  Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 23,309

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

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

Red Fire: Total Personnel: 24  |  Total Red Fire Acres: 1,763

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Summary

Fire activity across the area remains minimal, with most fires exhibiting only creeping and smoldering behavior. In sun-exposed areas, occasional small open flames may still be visible. Crews are focusing on strengthening indirect firelines and repairing resources affected during suppression operations.

For fires not yet fully contained, any growth is occurring within their existing perimeters. Firefighters are reinforcing indirect firelines to protect communities and values at risk. The fires will continue to smolder and creep until a significant rainfall occurs.

The Chalk Fire, Coffee Pot Fire, McKinley Creek Fire, and Tire Mountain Fire are all 100% contained and have entered the patrol and repair phases. Crews are clearing debris from culverts to maintain proper water drainage and prevent erosion, repairing damaged roads that were used for fire access or impacted by fire suppression activities, and managing materials removed during fireline construction. Crews will continue to prioritize these tasks in coordination with resource specialists such as ecologists, hydrologists, and archeologists. Their expertise ensures that repairs and restoration efforts are scientifically sound and effective.

Red Fire (1,763 acres, 0% containment)

Hauling and removing slash from Forest Service Road (FSR) along 6010 from Summit Lake to southwestern corner of Crescent Lake remains a priority. Firefighters continue road repairs and cleaning the shaded fuel break from Whitefish Horse Camp up to Crescent Lake Sno-Park. Structure protection measures, including portable tanks, hoses, and pumps, will remain in place as fire conditions continue to improve.

208 Fire (8,912 acres, 4% containment)

Firefighters are actively improving holding features between Lighthouse Rock to Summit Lake to minimize acres burned. Material chipping will continue today along FSR 21 from Campers Flat to Emigrant Butte.

Moss Mountain Fire (2,155 acres, 10% containment)

The removal of excess slash and vegetation to strengthen primary lines northeast of Groundhog Mountain is nearly complete. Crews are making progress south of Beach Mountain near FSR 2316 and plan to connect to the existing fireline along FSR 23 from the 208 Fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Yesterday, a low-pressure system brought steady rain to the area, which continued through the night and reduced fire activity. Smoldering and creeping fires are now less common as heavy fuels burn out and high relative humidity slows spread. The cooler, more humid conditions will be ending with a gradual warming and drying trend expected for the second half of the week. Temperatures will return to seasonal averages, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Expect light northwest winds and relative humidity to decrease to around 40 percent.

Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Evacuations

• For closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedFireClosues2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024.
• For fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DesFireRestrictions2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024.
• The Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice remains in effect for the Red Fire. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management.

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update

Red, 208, Moss Mountain, Coffee Pot, Tire Mountain, McKinley Creek and Chalk Fires

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024                                    
Fire Causes: Lightning
Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov                      
Information Phone Line: 541-208-1742

Willamette Complex South:             Total Personnel: 441  |  Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 23,309

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

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

Red Fire: Total Personnel: 24  |  Total Red Fire Acres: 1,763

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Summary

Fire activity across the area remains minimal, with most fires exhibiting only creeping and smoldering behavior. In sun-exposed areas, occasional small open flames may still be visible. Crews are focusing on strengthening indirect firelines and repairing resources affected during suppression operations.

For fires not yet fully contained, any growth is occurring within their existing perimeters. Firefighters are reinforcing indirect firelines to protect communities and values at risk. The fires will continue to smolder and creep until a significant rainfall occurs.

The Chalk Fire, Coffee Pot Fire, McKinley Creek Fire, and Tire Mountain Fire are all 100% contained and have entered the patrol and repair phases. Crews are clearing debris from culverts to maintain proper water drainage and prevent erosion, repairing damaged roads that were used for fire access or impacted by fire suppression activities, and managing materials removed during fireline construction. Crews will continue to prioritize these tasks in coordination with resource specialists such as ecologists, hydrologists, and archeologists. Their expertise ensures that repairs and restoration efforts are scientifically sound and effective.

Red Fire (1,763 acres, 0% containment)

Hauling and removing slash from Forest Service Road (FSR) along 6010 from Summit Lake to southwestern corner of Crescent Lake remains a priority. Firefighters continue road repairs and cleaning the shaded fuel break from Whitefish Horse Camp up to Crescent Lake Sno-Park. Structure protection measures, including portable tanks, hoses, and pumps, will remain in place as fire conditions continue to improve.

208 Fire (8,912 acres, 4% containment)

Firefighters are actively improving holding features between Lighthouse Rock to Summit Lake to minimize acres burned. Material chipping will continue today along FSR 21 from Campers Flat to Emigrant Butte.

Moss Mountain Fire (2,155 acres, 10% containment)

The removal of excess slash and vegetation to strengthen primary lines northeast of Groundhog Mountain is nearly complete. Crews are making progress south of Beach Mountain near FSR 2316 and plan to connect to the existing fireline along FSR 23 from the 208 Fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Yesterday, a low-pressure system brought steady rain to the area, which continued through the night and reduced fire activity. Smoldering and creeping fires are now less common as heavy fuels burn out and high relative humidity slows spread. The cooler, more humid conditions will be ending with a gradual warming and drying trend expected for the second half of the week. Temperatures will return to seasonal averages, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Expect light northwest winds and relative humidity to decrease to around 40 percent.

Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Evacuations

• For closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedFireClosues2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024.
• For fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DesFireRestrictions2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024.
• The Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice remains in effect for the Red Fire. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management.