RED FIRE UPDATE
July 23, 2024
Fire Information Line - 541-316-7711

                                                 centraloregonfire.org    x.com/CentralORFire

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/ordef-red-fire

Size: 262 acres | Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, Oregon   
County: Klamath | Start Date: July 17, 2024 | Containment: 0% | Cause: Lightning   
Total Personnel: 150

Klamath County, Oregon — The Red Fire is located within the Diamond Peak Wilderness on the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy.  The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Fulton Jeansonne, assumed command of the fire on Friday, July 19, at 6:00 a.m. local time. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire. 

The Diamond Peak Wilderness encompasses 52,500 rugged acres straddling the crest of the Cascade Mountains. It was designated in 1964 by the Wilderness Act, to be stewarded in its natural, undeveloped condition. Motorized equipment, motor vehicles, and aircraft are prohibited in Wilderness by federal law, with narrow criteria for exceptions. The USDA Forest Service has authorized the use of chain saws, portable pumps, fire retardant, and aircraft landings by firefighters on the Red Fire since initial attack.  

Yesterday’s Activities – Firefighters continued to assess and scout opportunities for control features in the Wilderness. Construction of the shaded fuel break continued along the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and the north side of Forest Service Road 60, west of the community of Crescent Lake Junction.

Approximately 140 people attended last night’s community meeting in Crescent Lake Junction, Oregon. An additional 176 attended the live broadcast. A recording of the community meeting is available here.

Today’s Activities – Firefighters will continue to assess and scout opportunities for control features in the Wilderness. Construction of the shaded fuel break will continue along the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and the north side of Forest Service Road 60, southwest of the community of Crescent Lake Junction. Heavy equipment working on the shaded fuel break along FS Road 60 will cause temporary traffic stoppages. The public is encouraged to avoid travel on FS Road 60 if possible.

Weather – Sunny today with areas of smoke and haze. Temperature 80-83, humidity around 30 percent. Light terrain-driven winds becoming southwest at 5 mph.

Evacuation Notice – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for the Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction area remains in effect. For information, and to sign up for alerts, visit: https://www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management 

Klamath County Emergency Management. INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction.

Red Fire Area Closures – An area emergency closure is in effect for the Diamond Peak Wilderness due to the Red Fire. For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091 

Fire Restrictions – Public use fire restrictions are currently in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. Visit CentralOregonFire.org or the Deschutes National Forest’s website (fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376) for more information.
 

Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area. If you fly, we can’t. Unauthorized drone flights (UAS) pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger.

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Fire Update – Oakridge Lightning Fires 

Chalk, Coffee Pot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217  Fires 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – 11:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander  

Information Phone: 541-208-1742 

Email: 2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov 

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm 

Special Note: This update covers seven wildland fires on the Willamette National Forest being managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1). The Team assumed command of the fires this morning, July 23, 2024. We thank the Willamette National Forest and initial attack firefighters for setting us up for success as we continue working to suppress these fires. 

Current Situation: A lightning storm passing over the Willamette National Forest on July 17 started numerous wildland fires. Rocky Mountain CIMT1 has been delegated authority to manage the seven fires listed below. These fires lie to the north, south, and southeast of Oakridge and Westfir, OR. Local initial attack forces have made good progress on assessing suppression opportunities and safety concerns. Suppression activities are underway on those fires deemed the highest priority. Additional resources are on order to bolster suppression efforts. We are working to get infrared flight coverage of all fires to better assess current acreages and fire perimeters. Coordination of suppression activities with local, state, and industry representatives is ongoing. Information about the fires and our suppression activities will be shared daily through these updates, social media, InciWeb, community information boards, and community meetings as needed. 

208 Fire (7 acres, 0% contained) – This fire is lower priority than the fires below because it is entirely within the Diamond Peak Wilderness, presenting no current threat to values at risk. The Pacific Crest Trail, which runs near this fire, is closed within the Wilderness. 

217 Fire (26 acres, 0% contained) – This fire is also within Diamond Peak Wilderness and is threatening to spread outside the Wilderness boundary on its north flank. Smokejumpers are currently working to prevent its spread and suppress the fire. A Type 2 initial attack crew will be assigned to the fire today. 

Chalk Fire (1,400 acres, 0% contained) – The fire made a run to the southeast and spread across the 19 Road. Crews are using direct attack to put a control line around this area. Mechanized equipment, including two excavators, one dozer, and a feller-buncher are enroute to begin control efforts on the main part of the fire. An objective is to keep the fire north of the 1920 Road and to tie control lines into the 1912 Road. A portion of the fire abuts the 2021 Gales Fire scar, which will slow its progress and assist with control. NOTE:  An earlier erroneous map layer showed the fire had greatly increased in size.  Current estimates are that the fire is 1400 acres.   

Coffee Pot Fire (40 acres, 0% contained) – This is a new lightning holdover fire in a rugged difficult to attack location. The fire did not hold where work was completed yesterday. Scooper planes are being used with water from Hills Creek Reservoir to attack the fire. 

McKinley Fire (estimated 14 – 16 acres, partially contained) – In steep terrain south of the 19 Road. Three 20-person crews, four engines, and a helicopter are working the fire. Containment is anticipated in the near term.  

Moss Mountain Fire (80 acres, 0% contained) – The fire is threatening the Wolf Mountain communications site. Heli-rappelers are working to contain the fire edge. Road 2308 accessing the fire is in rough condition due to slides. Old fires scars may help to limit fire spread. 

Tire Mountain Fire (estimated 10 – 15 acres, partially contained) – This fire is in steep old growth timber on a north slope and is accessible to smaller engines by road. Firefighters have made good progress constructing fireline on the west and south sides. Containment is expected in the near term. 

Weather and Fire Behavior:  

The heat dome that has been over the area for the past seven days is now moving to the east. A northwest air flow is establishing with seasonal temperatures. Nighttime temperatures will be 45-55 with relative humidities of 70-100. An inversion over the area this morning will hold smoke at ground level. The inversion will break around 1:00 pm, allowing temperatures to rise to 70-80 and humidity to lower to 35-40. These conditions will contribute to increasing fire activity in the afternoon, with potential for spotting and increased rates of spread. 

Evacuations: 

There are no evacuations in place at the present time. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. For specific information follow this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029 

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487 

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

  For More Information: 

  Information Phone: 541-208-1742 

  Email: 2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov 

  InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-oakridge-lightning-fires-2024 

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeLightningFires2024/ 

A Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation has been issued to the area south of Powder River and Brownlee Reservoir to Huntington, east of Iron Mountain Road and Timber Canyon to the Snake River.

A Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation has been issued to the area south of Dry Gulch Road to the Powder River.

The town of Richland IS NOT currently under an evacuation order.

A Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation has been issued for rangeland area east of I-84 to Highway 201 extending south (located in Malheur County).

Several new fires ignited the evening of July 22nd due to severe weather, which included lightning and strong wind gusts.

Firefighters Memorial Campground and part of Greendale Group Campground have reopened after being temporarily closed due to the Speirs Fire.

The following forest service roads and trails remain closed:

• Forest Service Road (FSR) 610, FSR 689, Greens Draw Road (FSR 049)

• Lowline trail, Forest Service trail (FST) 103, its junction with the Pipe Creek Trail,

FST 003

• Forest Service trail 003 from beginning at junction with FST 103 to the junction of

Forest Service trail 004

• Forest Service trail 004 to Greens Draw Road (FSR 049)

These areas remain closed as a precaution due to their location near the Speirs Fire. This provides for public safety and increased access for fire resources.

There are currently no evacuations for the Speirs Fire. All other campgrounds, marinas,

roads, trails, and developed recreation sites within the Flaming Gorge National

Recreation Area remain open. This includes boating access to the Green River below

Flaming Gorge Dam.

A map of the closure area is shown here, and a copy of the closure order can be found at:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1194916.pdf

High potential for aggressive fire behavior will challenge Boneyard Fire today, focus on minimizing fire growth

MONUMENT, Ore. – Today’s hot, dry weather forecast with low relative humidity and high ignition potential will challenge day operations on the Boneyard fire. With assistance from three task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, structural protection will continue. 

Last night, crews had success building dozer line outside the town of Monument with coordinated assistance from landowners. Structural task forces and fire crews contained several spot fires overnight, reducing impacts to homes and communities. Work continues to minimize growth on the southwest portion of the fire.

Daily Update for Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

Firefighters continue to discover new fires resulting from a lightning storm July 16. In the past 24 hours another 11 fires totaling an estimated 55 acres have been identified and added to the Diamond Complex, on the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqual National Forest.

Currently there are 23 fires totaling an estimated 3,318 acres in the Diamond Complex, with 243 personnel assigned. The Complex is considered to be 3% contained. Firefighters are directly attacking the fires’ edge where access and firefighter safety allow, and implementing indirect strategies using constructed control lines, and utilizing natural barriers where access issues and safety concerns prevent direct attack.

The fires comprising the Diamond Complex are Pine Bench, 1,320 acres, and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek; Trail, 821 acres and 5% contained, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen; Lemolo, 404 acres and 0% contained, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill; Pig Iron, 27 acres and 25% contained, about two miles southeast of Pig Iron Mountain, north of Hwy 138; Watson, 115 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 on Watson Ridge, Brodie, 81 acres and 0% contained, about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon; Trep, 91 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138; Garwood, 5 acres and 65% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 90% contained, northeast of Pine Bench; Potter, 288 acres, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mt.; Ooya, 106 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point; and Clearwater, 3 acres and 90% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake. The 11 new fires totaling 55 acres are widely scattered and have not been named.

Yesterday, Northwest Team 7 continued active suppression on the Trail Fire. Dozer lines were reinforced with water delivery hose lines from Hwy 138 toward the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness boundary. There is still some fire line construction work ahead to securely tie into the wilderness boundary. On the Lemolo fire, fire line is established on the east and northeast of the 700 road. Firefighters continued active suppression on the Pig Iron fire and are mopping up to secure the perimeter to protect critical infrastructure. Firefighters worked to keep the Pine Bench fire west of Forest Road 4775, and successfully suppressed a spot fire east of Medicine Creek as the fire moves toward the Boulder Creek Wilderness. Several of the newly identified fires were successfully attacked and contained.

Nationally and in the Pacific Northwest, fire activity is putting an extreme demand on firefighting resources. This means that firefighters must carefully prioritize and efficiently utilize available resources to protect values at risk. The highest priority will remain public and firefighter safety and protecting infrastructure and homes. Today, active suppression continues with the Lemolo, Trail, Pig Iron and Pine Bench fires as priorities.

Weather: Today will have significantly lower relative humidity and a slightly higher air temperature. These conditions support increased fire spread and spotting potential. Extremely dry fuels and rugged, steep terrain add to challenging fire behavior.

Closures and Evacuations: The USFS and the Douglas County Sheriff have implemented public safety measures in response to these fires. Umpqua National Forest has issued a closure order that impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake District, and parts of the North Umpqua, and Tiller Ranger Districts. The closure order can be found here: https://bit.ly/3SeYvih. This closure does include Boulder Flat Campground and Boat Launch. Canton Creek Road is just the boundary of the closure and is open.

Closures and Evacuations: The USFS and the Douglas County Sheriff have implemented public safety measures in response to these fires. Umpqua National Forest has issued a closure order that impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake District, and parts of the North Umpqua, and Tiller Ranger Districts. The closure order can be found here: https://bit.ly/3SeYvih

This closure does include Boulder Flat Campground and Boat Launch. Canton Creek Road is just the boundary of the closure and is open. Additionally, Diamond Lake, Thielsen View, and Broken Arrow Campgrounds are closed through July 28, 2024, and will be reevaluated closer to that date. Fire danger is set at High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 2: https://bit.ly/3xIZZdK. The Douglas County Sheriff has issued a Level 3: GO NOW and Level 2: BE SET for the Trail Fire and Lemolo Fire. There is a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. Please see detailed information here: www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS and www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua.

Telephone Fire Update for July 23, 2024

Telephone Fire: The Telephone Fire started yesterday afternoon south of King Mountain on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District on the Malheur National Forest. The fire grew quickly to 5,000 acres fanned by erratic winds. The fire perimeter is approximately located five miles east of Highway (Hwy) 395 and fourteen miles north of Hwy 20. Strong winds pushed the fire south last night prompting Level 3 evacuations for areas east of Hwy 395 to Buck Butte and south to Hwy 20 in Harney County.

Northwest Team 8 and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Blue Team assumed command of the new incident Monday night. A number of resources working on the Falls Fire were sent to the fire to do initial attack. Wildland operations used air and ground resources to attack the fire.  Fire conditions produced plume-dominated fire behavior that required the need to disengage.  Night shift focused on establishing areas to protect structures. Structural crews have already surveyed and completed surface preparation at several residences north of the new start earlier this week as part of a contingency plan for the Falls Fire. As winds shifted in the evening, OSFM engines were repositioned to provide protection to the structures on the southern edge of the fire. OSFM crews will continue to patrol north of Hwy 23 on the southern edge of the Telephone Fire. These crews will be scouting the new area to assess and establish protection plans for the properties directly adjacent to the new fire.

A community meeting for the Falls and Telephone Fires will be held at the Burns Chamber of Commerce tonight, July 23, at 6:30 PM. The meeting will also be live streamed on the Malheur National Forest and Falls Fire 2024 Facebook pages.  

As the fire season continues, resources begin to reach their maximum deployment times which are established to ensure crew safety. As a result, the OSFM Task Force from Lincoln County will be demobilizing today.

Weather: Fire weather for today will be very active with dry and unstable conditions.  There is a 30% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and late evening that could bring gusty outflow winds. Winds will generally be coming from the west-southwest winds 6-8 mph, gusts up to 17 mph.  Temperature highs possibly into the upper 90s.

Evacuations: Evacuations were issued last night due to the Telephone Fire. Evacuation notices remain in effect due to the Falls Fire in Grant and Harney Counties. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.

Closures: Due to active wildfires compounded by extremely unfavorable weather conditions, limited firefighting resources and County Resources, Malheur National Forest officials are temporarily closing lands within the Malheur National Forest. This closure means that the public is prohibited from entering lands, roads, trails and recreation areas, and facilities on the Malheur National Forest. A detailed map and description of the closure area is available on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Closure signs will be posted on the ground. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/ 

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire 

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov 

Harney County non-emergency evacuation questions: 541-589-5579 

Air quality questions: 541-573-2271  

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook 

* Several reclassifications of structures account for the reduction in numbers of commercial properties surveyed.