Weekly Situation Report: October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

NOTICE: This will be the last situation report for the season unless conditions change significantly. 

National:  Preparedness Level 2 (At this stage, several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger, though they are able to manage fire activity without requesting many wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. Few of the country’s IMTs are assigned to wildland fire incidents.)

NW Geographic Area: Preparedness Level 2 (At this stage, several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger, though they are able to manage fire activity without requesting many wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. Few of the country’s IMTs are assigned to wildland fire incidents.)

# of fires Acres burned
Total to date 44,195 2,442,088

Oregon:  Preparedness Level 2 (At this stage, several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger, though they are able to manage fire activity without requesting many wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. Few of the country’s IMTs are assigned to wildland fire incidents.)

Only ODF-protected lands (16 million acres)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 967 16,975
10-year avg. year-to-date

(2013 – 2022)

 962 119,424

 

All lands in Oregon (Includes ODF-protected lands)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 1,794 188,726

Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
*These numbers may change as we receive more data from the individual fires*

Name Date Total Acres ODF Acres Containment Location Cause Notes
Anvil August 25, 2023 22,092 0 43% 8 miles E of Port Orford Undetermined SW Team 1
Containment is now at 43% as progress continues along the Elk River Road. Crews have been working to remove hazard trees to safely access the Grassy Knob communication repeater. Strong winds in the area made it necessary to disengage for safety yesterday during the afternoon. Near the Sixes River Campground, crews made significant progress building containment lines near Hells Gate. Four masticators continue work along the Sixes River Road. On the southeast corner of the fire, firefighters work to establish contingency lines south towards Milbury Mountain.
Lookout August 5, 2023 25,751 0 50% 4 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge Lightning NW Team 10
Given the decrease in fire activity, extensive suppression repair work is in progress, and closure areas are adjusting accordingly to reflect the cooler weather and successful efforts of firefighters. It remains essential for the public to adhere to the remaining closures listed on the Willamette National Forest Official Website, which are in place for both firefighter and public safety. As temperatures increase, smoke may be visible around the Lookout fire area as fuels inside the fire’s perimeter smolder.
Chilcoot August 24, 2023 1,940 0 82% 20 miles east of Glide Lightning NW Team 13
Mop up continues on the southern flank of the fire perimeter with the intention of dousing all hot spots. Firefighters are also validating hazard tree mitigation strategies.
Brice Creek |
Grizzly		 August 24, 2023 571 |324 0 95% | 95% 8 miles SW of Oakridge Lightning NW Team 13
Brice Creek: All suppression repair is complete and is in patrol status.

Grizzly: All chipping to reduce fuel load is complete while water bars were constructed on handline to Forest standards to limit erosion.
Petes Lake August 25, 2023 3,254 0 80% 25 miles W of Bend Undetermined NW Team 10
The Petes Lake Fire remains on the Willamette National Forest and forecasted wetter and colder weather conditions are expected to keep fire activity minimal until a season ending event fully extinguishes hot spots.
Camp Creek August 25, 2023 2,055 0 62% 10 miles NE of Sandy Lightning Mt. Hood Local Type-3
There has been little to no growth of the Camp Creek fire in the last week where firefighters have been engaged in suppression activities to hold the fire within the existing footprint. The fire is burning in heavy fuels that include deep duff, decayed logs, and timber litter under a dense canopy. These heavy fuels dried out during the summer and will continue to smolder and burn in place with some creeping and minimal fire activity until there is significant precipitation.
Flat July 15, 2023 34,242 50 88% 2 miles SE of Agness Under Investigation SW IMT 1
Additional crews were brought in to conduct suppression repair work on the Flat fire. Crews are working to clean up the fire line and returning the area to a more natural state. Helicopter operations will begin to drop straw bales within the Flat fire for erosion control.

 

Weather Forecast:

Low pressure returns to the Geographic Area tonight bringing rain to western Washington. Showers then spread southeast across the region through early Tuesday. Breezy west winds develop through Cascade gaps behind a cold front. Wednesday has strong high pressure building over the area through Saturday. A thermal trough develops west of the Cascades. Currently, drying east wind speeds appear to primarily remain on a nuisance level, with locally higher speeds around the western Columbia River Gorge. Low pressure and a cold front approach the coast next Sunda.

Northwest Fire Potential Summary:

The risk for new large fires or significant fire growth remains minimal for the foreseeable future. Drying conditions along the Cascades and westward next week are expected to produce a limited increase of existing fire activity.

Resources:

Weekly Situation Report: September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

National:  Preparedness Level 3 (This stage typically involves two or more geographic areas requiring significant amounts of wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. At this point, NICC is moving an increased amount of wildland fire suppression resources around the country, including IMTs.)

NW Geographic Area: Preparedness Level 3 (This stage typically involves two or more geographic areas requiring significant amounts of wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. At this point, NICC is moving an increased amount of wildland fire suppression resources around the country, including IMTs.)

  # of fires Acres burned
Total to date 44,207 2,385,676

Oregon:  Preparedness Level 2 (At this stage, several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger, though they are able to manage fire activity without requesting many wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. Few of the country’s IMTs are assigned to wildland fire incidents.)

Only ODF-protected lands (16 million acres)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 936 16,671
10-year avg. year-to-date

(2013 – 2022)

 934 119,377

 

All lands in Oregon (Includes ODF-protected lands)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 1,753 180,226

Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
*These numbers may change as we receive more data from the individual fires*

Name Date Total Acres ODF Acres Containment Location Cause Notes
Anvil August 25, 2023 21,842 0 17% 8 miles E of Port Orford Undetermined GB Team 4
Crews leveraged favorable weather conditions to bolster containment lines, resulting in increased containment percentage, despite additional growth. A strategic burning operation was completed on the northern edge of the fire perimeter to remove vegetation and provide critical defensible space near residences. Heavy equipment including dozers and masticators from the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) completed and extended contingency lines south of the Sixes River corridor.
Morgan September 18, 2023 2,289 479.83 40% 19 miles E of Bly Undetermined NW Team 7
Over the weekend, Firefighters focused on preparing for significant winds. Fire line is complete around the entire perimeter, and crews worked to extinguish any source of heat within 50 feet of the perimeter. An infrared detection unmanned aerial system (drone) is in use to find any hidden heat sources that could threaten fire lines in windy conditions.
Lookout August 5, 2023 25,751 0 50% 4 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge Lightning PNW Team 2
With the onset of a sustained pattern of cooler, wet weather, firefighters have shifted their focus to accomplishing the substantial task of suppression repair across all five fires. Despite the increased relative humidity and chances for rain, fire will continue to consume decaying vegetation covering the forest floor, downed logs, and heavy concentrations of slash in interior portions of the fire before accumulated rainfall amounts extinguish some of the remaining heat.

On the Lookout Fire, crews have a significant amount of suppression repair remaining to complete.

PNW Team 2 is managing the Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek, Petes Lake and Pothole Fire.
Chilcoot August 24, 2023 1,948 0 67% 20 miles east of Glide Lightning NW Team 6
Northwest Team 6 will be transferring command to Northwest Team 13 on Monday, September 25th at 6 pm. In preparation for incoming precipitation, fire personnel are engaged in suppression repair like putting water bars on control lines to reduce possible erosion and sedimentation. Firefighters will be watching out for any new hazards as soil becomes softer with wetting rain.

Although rain is expected over the next few days, heavy fuels will still retain heat and continue to smolder.

NW Team 6 is managing the Chilcoot, Ridge, Dinner, Brice Creek, and Grizzly Fire.
Brice Creek|
Grizzly		 August 24, 2023 571 |324 0 95% | 0% 8 miles SW of Oakridge Lightning NW Team 6
Brice Creek: Firefighting resources continued mop-up along the perimeter of a 98-acre pocket in the southeast corner and a 12-acre pocket in the northeast corner of the fire. Crews also pulled all interior hose lays, backhauled equipment and made significant progress on suppression repair work. Today, crews will continue patrols and finish all repair work. 

Grizzly: Crews will monitor the westward spread and act as needed to protect private property and structures along Champion Creek. Mapping will be updated to show Management Action Points identified for future operations should the fire spread north across Grizzly Creek. Excess equipment will be removed from the area. The suppression repair group will focus on priority repair work in areas identified by resource advisors to mitigate anticipated erosion related to the approaching rain event.
Petes Lake August 25, 2023 3,254 0 50% 25 miles W of Bend Undetermined PNW Team 2
With the onset of a sustained pattern of cooler, wet weather, firefighters have shifted their focus to accomplishing the substantial task of suppression repair across all five fires. Despite the increased relative humidity and chances for rain, fire will continue to consume decaying vegetation covering the forest floor, downed logs, and heavy concentrations of slash in interior portions of the fire before accumulated rainfall amounts extinguish some of the remaining heat.

Crews anticipate completing the mastication, or grinding of trees and other vegetation, near the Petes Lake Fire
Camp Creek August 25, 2023 2,055 0 62% 10 miles NE of Sandy Lightning PNW Team 3
Current Closures: The Sandy Ridge Trail Recreation Area remains closed to the public due to fire traffic. In order to ensure firefighters and public safety, the BLM and Clackamas County have closed the area.
Flat July 15, 2023 34,242 50 75% 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Under Investigation GB Team 4
The RRSNF closure on the Flat Fire remains in effect.

GB Team 4 is managing the Flat and Anvil Fire.

Weather Forecast:

Strong upper-level low pressure will remain in place off the Northwest Pacific Coast into tomorrow producing rainfall mainly along and west of the Cascades. Low RH levels and warmer temperatures will persist early this week across eastern Oregon. South to southwest winds are expected early this week with stronger gusts along and east of the Oregon Cascades as well as along the coast. Scattered precipitation is expected into mid-week east of the Cascades, mainly over Washington and NE Oregon. Cool conditions and periods of rainfall are expected over the region through the rest of the week with upper-level low pressure remaining in place.

Northwest Fire Potential Summary:

Increased winds and lower RHs in southeast Oregon will elevate fire spread potential today. Otherwise, a minimal threat of new significant fires is expected over the next few days. Units planning to burn are strongly encouraged to seek additional spot forecast information for your specific project.

Resources:

 

Weekly Situation Report – Sept. 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

National:  Preparedness Level 3 (This stage typically involves two or more geographic areas requiring significant amounts of wildland fire suppression resources from other areas. At this point, NICC is moving an increased amount of wildland fire suppression resources around the country, including IMTs.)

NW Geographic Area: Preparedness Level 4 (This level involves three or more geographic areas experiencing large, complex wildfires requiring IMTs. Geographic areas are competing for wildland fire suppression resources and about 60 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents.)

# of fires Acres burned
Total to date 41,944 2,191,140

Oregon:  Preparedness Level 5 (This is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildland fire incidents, which have the potential to exhaust national wildland firefighting resources. At least 80 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents. At this level, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildfire response.)

Only ODF-protected lands (16 million acres)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 849 16,064
10-year avg. year-to-date

(2013 – 2022)

 892 119,036

 

All lands in Oregon (Includes ODF-protected lands)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 1,637 164,666

Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
*These numbers may change as we receive more data from the individual fires*

Name Date Total Acres ODF Acres Containment Location Cause Notes
Tyee Ridge Complex August 24, 2023 7,922 7,922 48% 10 miles W of Sutherlin, OR Lightning ODF IMT 3
Crews move further into the burn area each day, increasing mop-up and hazard tree mitigation. Mop-up operations are verified around the perimeters and structures using handheld and drone infrared imaging. On the northern end of the complex, the Big Tom Fire is reaching complete containment.  Helicopters will continue to support fire crews securing the control lines with water drops.
Camp Creek August 25, 2023 2,023 0 35% 10 miles NE of Sandy Lightning CIMT GB Team 1
The fire-moderating effects of last week’s rainfall are diminishing. Warm, dry weather and clear skies have allowed a modest increase in fire behavior and smoke production. Firefighters completed firing operations along the south side of the FS12 road, allowing crews and engines to secure most of the northern flank. Crews have been methodically working their way east along the southern flank, building hand line and mopping up as they go.
Lookout August 5, 2023 24,518 0 50% 4 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge Lightning GB Team 2
Despite warming temperatures not seen since late August, there was generally low fire activity in all corners of the fire.  Helicopters were ordered to douse hotspots along Carpenter Ridge. This slowed fire activity allowing hotshot crews and heavy equipment to continue connecting firelines.

GB Team 2 is managing the Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek and Pothole Fire. PNW Team 2 (Loomis) is mobilizing. Inbrief planned for 9/13 at 1400 and transfer of command planned for 9/15 at 0600.
Anvil August 25, 2023 451 0 0% 8 miles E of Port Orford Undetermined NR Team 3
Wildland Fire Module (WFM) crew members are helping direct helicopter bucket drops and collecting weather and fuels data. The WFMs are also scouting for alternate lines on the north and south sides of the wilderness boundary. On the north, a location for containment line has been identified that will start slightly southeast of China Peak and extend northwest onto tribal and BLM land. Crews began tracking a dozer into that area today. The Coos Forest Protective Association will construct this fireline where it goes across private, tribal, and BLM land. Firefighters continue to improve the lines around the fish hatchery.

Structure protection crews are beginning to install sprinkler systems with hoses and pumps at residences along Elk River Road. Fire managers are ordering additional firefighting resources.

NR Team 3 is managing the Flat and Anvil Fire.
Chilcoot August 24, 2023 1,769 0 30% 20 miles east of Glide Lightning NW Team 12
Equipment backhaul has begun, which is the packaging and removal of supplies and equipment from the fireline. With the west flank fully contained, firefighters are turning their attention to completing tasks that have been underway for days. The entire length of the north flank from the 3806 Road to the northeast corner now is in patrol status.

Ridge Fire: Moderate overnight recoveries led to significant amounts of smoldering and creeping the last two days. Fire crews will continue mopping up and patrolling the fire perimeter, working to increase mop-up depth across all flanks of the fire.

Dinner Fire: The Dinner Fire is close to being fully contained.

NW Team 12 is managing the Chilcoot, Ridge, Dinner, Brice Creek, and Grizzly Fire.
Flat July 15, 2023 34,242 50 75% 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Under Investigation NR Team 3
Suppression repair work continues, including pulling in dozer line berms, seeding, mulching, installing water bars, and chipping branches and small trees that were cut and stacked during active suppression efforts. Heat signatures continue to show up on infrared flights and crews are addressing any that are near containment lines. Firefighters are watching interior pockets that continue to burn, especially those near the eastern, uncontained side.

NR Team 3 is managing the Flat and Anvil Fire.

Weather Forecast:

Broad low pressure crosses the Geographic Area over the next few days. Light rain is possible for western Washington and northwest Oregon through Tuesday night. Expect moderate westerly winds through the central/eastern Gorge Tuesday followed by northwest winds across southeast Oregon Wednesday. Warming and drying will occur later next week with 90% confidence. The strength of the upper ridge over the region remains in question. Several weather models are showing a pair of thermal troughs along and west of the Cascades by late in the week. Southwest Oregon could see gusty northeast ridgetop winds while the Cascade east flow currently appears weak.

Northwest Fire Potential Summary:

Fire danger is rising with minimal risk of new large fires. Diurnal breezy winds bring NW06 and NW08 into normal risk the next few days with NW05 and NW10 not far away. Continued drying will start increasing significant fire risk late in the week for some PSAs.

Resources:

 

Weekly Situation Report – Sept. 5, 2023

September 5, 2023

National:  Preparedness Level 4 (This level involves three or more geographic areas experiencing large, complex wildfires requiring IMTs. Geographic areas are competing for wildland fire suppression resources and about 60 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents.)

NW Geographic Area: Preparedness Level 5 (This is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildland fire incidents, which have the potential to exhaust national wildland firefighting resources. At least 80 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents. At this level, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildfire response.)

# of fires Acres burned
Total to date 40,221 2,089,674

Oregon:  Preparedness Level 5 (This is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildland fire incidents, which have the potential to exhaust national wildland firefighting resources. At least 80 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents. At this level, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildfire response.)

Only ODF-protected lands (16 million acres)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 826 13,071
10-year avg. year-to-date

(2013 – 2022)

 849 78,633

 

All lands in Oregon (Includes ODF-protected lands)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 1,731 159,991

Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
*These numbers may change as we receive more data from the individual fires*

Name Date Total Acres ODF Acres Containment Location Cause Notes
Tyee Ridge Complex August 24, 2023 7,287 7,287 33% 10 miles W of Sutherlin, OR Lightning ODF IMT 1
Engines, dozers and crews continue to strengthen firelines and mop up operations. An infrared drone mapped potential hotspots near structures. Helicopters added retardant to pretreat firelines for future tactical firing operations.

 

This afternoon, there is potential for tactical firing operations.

OSFM Red Team demobilized on Sunday. ODF IMT 1 is in command of the complex.
Camp Creek August 25, 2023 1,902 0 16% 10 miles NE of Sandy Lightning CIMT GB Team 1
Firefighters are working on developing containment line within the densely-forested Bull Run Watershed. In addition to firing operations, crews are limbing and thinning trees and improving old logging roads. This work will create a fuel break and reduce ladder fuels.

Barlow Wayside Park and the Sandy Ridge Recreation Site are temporarily closed.
Bensel Road September 5, 2023 699 0 0% Hermiston, OR Undetermined OSFM Green Team
Yesterday late afternoon fire managers used two ODF firebosses to assist with fighting a flare up along the western edge of the fire. The fire is located in thick heavy brush inaccessible to the ground firefighters. The water drops were effective in slowing the fire down. Evacuations in effect. Structures threatened.
Chilcoot August 24, 2023 1,762 0 4% 20 miles east of Glide Lightning NW Team 12
Solid progress is being made on the western flank of the fire, connecting dozer and control lines with direct line. Firefighters will continue to patrol, mop up and secure this area. Containment around this area is expected to increase significantly within the next few days.

Ridge Fire – Minimal fire activity allows for firefighters to extend further along the fire perimeter, allowing crews to extinguish burning material. As the containment line grows, resources will be reallocated to the Chilcoot fire.
Lookout August 5, 2023 24,581 0 20% 4 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge Lightning GB Team 2
The eastern side of the fire received light rain Sunday morning, resulting in minimal fire activity. Crews will continue to prepare contingency lines, and work on hot spots throughout the fire area. Smoke will continue to impact the McKenzie drainage along Highway 126.
Bedrock July 22, 2023 31,590 106 90% 27 miles SE of Eugene, OR Human GB Team 2
The suppression group will continue to work on uncontained lines, provide initial attack capabilities, and continue to assist the Willamette National Forest with nearby fires. Excess fire equipment continues to be removed and returned to base camp for servicing and cleaning. GB Team 2 is now managing the Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek and Pothole Fire.

All Fires: Recent rains, higher humidity, and cooler temperatures have combined to moderate the burning intensity and slowed the fires growth. However, this has resulted in smoldering and creeping fire that is conducive to increased smoke development. Valleys, drainages, and transportation corridors may be subjected to periods of dense smoke. Smoldering fire will continue to weaken standing trees, creating an extreme hazard to firefighters and equipment.
Flat July 15, 2023 34,242 50 70% 2 miles SE of Agness, OR Under Investigation NR Team 3
Some interior pockets of vegetation continue to burn and show some smoke. Crews are addressing anything within a chain (66 feet) of the fire’s edge. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring around the fire perimeter and keeping an eye on the eastern, uncontained side.

 

Weather Forecast:

After a break today, Wednesday brings another upper trough and mainly dry cold front transiting across the Geographic Area. A few areas of 15-25 mph winds will be accompanied by 25-35% humidity east of the Cascade crest. Strongest winds are expected with the higher humidity nearer the Cascade gaps. Thursday begins a slow warming and drying trend as ridging returns and becomes centered somewhere over the western US. There do not appear to be any significant wind events poised to affect the western PSA fires.

Northwest Fire Potential Summary:

Significant Fire Potential remains minimal aside from the breezy gap winds bringing PSAs NW05, 06, and 10 back to the lower end of normal. Outside of the stronger winds, background fuel conditions will temporarily limit spread rates from any new human caused starts or recent lightning start holdovers. As the current dry period continues PSA NW01 will quickly return to below normal fuel dryness while remaining PSAs start to approach normal background dryness during the 6–10-day period.

Resources:

 

Weekly Situation Report – August 28, 2023

August 28, 2023

National:  Preparedness Level 4 (This level involves three or more geographic areas experiencing large, complex wildfires requiring IMTs. Geographic areas are competing for wildland fire suppression resources and about 60 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents.)

NW Geographic Area: Preparedness Level 5 (This is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildland fire incidents, which have the potential to exhaust national wildland firefighting resources. At least 80 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents. At this level, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildfire response.)

Total to date # of fires Acres burned
38,831 1,962,963

Oregon:  Preparedness Level 5 (This is the highest level of wildland fire activity. Several geographic areas are experiencing large, complex wildland fire incidents, which have the potential to exhaust national wildland firefighting resources. At least 80 percent of the country’s IMTs and wildland firefighting personnel are committed to wildland fire incidents. At this level, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildfire response.)

Only ODF-protected lands (16 million acres)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 785 6,779
10-year avg. year-to-date

(2013 – 2022)

 794 76,896

 

All lands in Oregon (Includes ODF-protected lands)
  # of fires Acres burned
2023 year-to-date 1,655 137,746

Current large fires in Oregon: Includes all lands
*These numbers may change as we receive more data from the individual fires*

Name Date Total Acres ODF Acres Containment Location Cause Notes
Tyee Ridge Complex August 24, 2023 2,002 2002 5% 10 miles W of Sutherlin Lightning ODF IMT 1,
OSFM Red Team
The complex is comprised of 19 fires in Douglas County that were caused by lightning. The Cougar Creek and Rattlesnake Ridge fires on the SW side of the Complex grew together and crossed Hubbard Creek Road. Two task forces worked to protect structures in this area and line was established around five spot fires. No structures have been destroyed. The four fires in the Lighthouse area merged into two and showed some uphill runs and spotting. One task force completed structure preparation on Lighthouse Road and moved to the Tyee Mountain Fire east of Fanchin Lane. The Tyee Mountain Fire became active in the late afternoon Sunday and helicopters assisted by dropping water. To the north, efforts continued to hold and improve line on the Big Tom Fire.

Challenges for firefighters include steep terrain, rolling material, snags, and limited road access. Dry fuels and topography are driving fire behavior.
Camp Creek August 25, 2023 1,226 0 0% 10 miles NE of Sandy Lightning CIMT GB Team 1
Warm and dry weather conditions on Saturday, August 26 led to moderately active fire behavior, and the fire grew mainly to the south and west. Bull Run Watershed is a dense temperate rainforest with lots of down and dead trees and deep forest duff. This abundance of material provided plenty of tinder dry and receptive fuel, causing the fire put up a large smoke column relative to its size. Warm and very dry weather conditions are continued Sunday and expected for the near future, with continued active fire behavior, increasing impact of smoke, and significant fire growth likely. ODF assisting in wildfire suppression efforts.

Public infrastructure threatened. Road and area closures.
Lookout August 5, 2023  21,135 0 16% 4 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge Lightning PNW 2,
OSFM
Blue Team
Firefighters continue efforts to suppress fire activity in the Horse Creek drainage. On the Lookout Fire east flank, crews are prepared to respond to potential spot fires over control lines as the main fire backs downhill toward Highway 126. On the southern flank above North Bank Road, firing operations have been successful. On the southwestern flank moving north up Mill Creek Road, firefighters are steadily increasing containment as strategic firing operations followed by mop-up progresses. Ahead of the northern flank, hand crews and engine crews, tree-fallers and heavy equipment are preparing roads to be used as control lines.

Structural protection firefighters are in place to protect homes affected by these fires. Evacuations are still in place and several evacuation centers are open.
Chilcoot August 24, 2023 150 0 0% 20 miles east of Glide Lightning IMT2 CA Team 12
Timber. Extreme fire behavior. Evacuation notices. No additional information received. 
Bedrock July 22, 2023 31,579 106 71% 27 miles SE of Eugene Human PNW 2
Firefighters, aircrews and helicopters, and heavy equipment from the Bedrock Fire will be heavily engaged with new fires in the area today, including the Horse Creek and Pothole incidents. Other personnel are being shifted to the more active Lookout Fire. At the same time, hundreds of personnel are still working to finalize containment on the Bedrock Fire. Pacific Northwest Team 2 (PNW2) is now managing all four fires.
Flat July 15, 2023 34,242 50 58% 2 miles SE of Agness Under Investigation SW Team 3
Resources continue to make significant progress with suppression efforts, including repairs to trails and roads along the north and northeast sides of the fire.

Weather Forecast:

A ridge over the Pacific NW and an upper trough centered offshore will start to shift east today. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms with some action potentially continuing overnight into Tuesday morning as the upper low starts moving overhead. Tuesday’s activity becomes two-fold as the thunderstorm threat shifts east and becomes numerous over NE Oregon and all of eastern Washington. Meanwhile, gusty west winds develop near the Cascade crest tonight and then increase over east slopes and Columbia Basin Tuesday. Tuesday night the thunderstorm threat gradually eases into Wednesday morning. Another upper trough will drop over the Pacific NW later in the week for cooler temperatures and moist westerly flow. 

For more weather details in your area, refer to your local NWS office statements and Fire Weather Planning Forecasts.

Northwest Fire Potential Summary:

Fuel conditions will be at their driest today along the Cascade crest and eastward. Initial significant fire potential remains below high risk until the east side combination of new ignitions followed by gusty winds boosts potential late Monday night through Wednesday. This combination on Tuesday poses an elevated or high risk of new significant fires mainly in central Oregon and central Washington PSAs NW06, NW08 and NW10. Conditions moderate later Wednesday and through the weekend as cool westerly flow and additional rain will temporarily put a damper on significant fire potential.  

Resources:

 

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