The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 27 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 8,129 acres, with 728 people assigned. The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park has 28 people assigned, but the Diamond Complex is sharing resources as needed. The park remains open. 

KEY MESSAGES: Highway 230 along the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park will be one-lane traffic with a flagger and pilot car due to work occurring on the Middle Fork Fire. Expect delays and plan accordingly. 

The Umpqua National Forest has issued a new Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-05 that includes some exceptions from the previous Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03. 

OPERATIONS:  

Middle Fork Fire (4,544 acres, 0% contained): Fire movement around the perimeter was minimal yesterday. Most of the smoke production and burning fuels was from unburned pockets of trees and gaps on the perimeter. Fire spread potential remains with current forecasted weather conditions. Fire fighters continue fire line preparation and snag mitigation, while looking for additional containment opportunities on the western flank of the fire. To the north northeast, between HWY 230 and 138, log loaders continue operations to remove heavy fuels from established dozer lines in preparation to add water resources and conduct potential tactical firing operations. To the east, on the northern access road to Crater Lake National Park, fire personnel are looking at road preparation. Air resources remain available in the form of helicopters and a new arrival of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.  

Diamond Complex Fires  

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 2,165 acres, 15% contained):  On the eastern flank, fire crews continue to mop up and secure established fire line. To the west of the Boulder Creek Wilderness, on FS 4670, crews are working simultaneously from the north and south to secure the road. To the southeast fire crews will continue structure protection activities. Additionally, road preparation on Forest Service Roads 3402 and 3400 in between the Pine Bench and Potter Fires will be taking place today.  

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 2060 acres, 0% contained): Crews are finishing putting structure protection wrap and hose lays around wooden trestles and other Pacificorp infrastructure south of the fire. To the east, scouting continues for options to get heavy equipment in to construct lines. On the north, a division supervisor has been added to look for openings to access the fires.   

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 374 acres, 0% contained): A division supervisor has been added to the south end, towards Bear Creek, to assess tactics for containing the fire. 

Lost Fire (Northeast of the Trep Fire, 51 acres, 0% contained): Helitack crews remain in place today. 

Bear Trap Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain, 64 acres, 50% contained), Campwood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138, 20 acres, 25% contained), Wood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 139, 23 acres, 25% contained): Fire fighters are shifting attention to these fires, to the north of Trep and Lost fires, to increase containment features. 

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 276 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters have gone direct on the east and west flanks with a combination of hand and dozer lines. Hose lays are in place on the east and will be established to the west today. 

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 165 acres, 0% contained): Fire personnel have gained an access point to the fire with heavy equipment use and water is on site. 

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1247 acres, 20% contained): Firefighters completed burnout operations on the south and will continue to mop up, cooling the fire’s edge further into the burn area.  

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 843 acres, 40% contained): Crews will be on the ground today continuing mop up to reach standards and patrolling the fire perimeter. 

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:   

Watson Fire (237 acres, 50% contained) 

Loafer Fire (42 acres, 50% contained) 

Trap Fire (One mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain, 16 acres, 0% contained)   

Rough Fire (11 acres, 25% contained)  

Canal Fire (1 acre, 75% contained) 

Slide Fire (Northeast of Pine Bench, 0.1 acres, 95% contained) 

Elephant Fire (Two miles southwest of Lemolo Lake, 0.7 acres, 95% contained) 

Sheep Fire (Three miles north of Diamond Lake, 0.3 acres, 95% contained)  

Thin Fire (Four miles northwest of Diamond Lake, 0.6 acre, 95% contained)  

Pig Iron Fire (Near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, 27 acres, 95% contained) 

Garwood Fire (About three miles southwest of Mt. Bailey, 5 acres, 95% contained) 

Mowich Fire (One mile north of Hwy 138, 0.4 acre, 95% contained)  

Toolbox Fire (0.1 acres, 95% contained)  

Fires 100% contained: Clearwater (0.7 acre), Birds (0.1 acres), Dog (0.1 acres) 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Moderate conditions are expected with minimum relative humidity levels rising into the low 30’s. Sunny weather is forecasted today, rising into the low to mid 80’s. Fire surface spread will be most likely, and perimeter growth will mainly be from the heavy fuels. The burn period for the day will likely be shortened due to the higher relative humidity levels during the day and into the evening. 

SMOKE OUTLOOK:  Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations. For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/  

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, EVACUATIONS: Umpqua National Forest has two closures in place across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-05 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at VERY HIGH, and Public Use Restrictions Level 3 ORDER NO. 06-15-24-04 is in effect: https://tinyurl.com/PublicUseRestrictions  

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office evacuation order for the Trail Fire west of Hwy 138 is set at Level 1: Get Ready and east of Hwy 138 is set at Level 3: GO NOW. The evacuation order for the Lemolo Fire south of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 1: Be Ready and northeast of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 3: GO NOW. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. There is also a Level 2: BE SET for the Potter Fire.  For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations 

Operational Video for the Sand Stone, Deer, Y Bar, Bartlett, Clair, and Sheep Fires 

Tonto National Forest Facebook Link: https://fb.watch/tTiGTbzU02/

Smoke Will Continue into the Foreseeable Future, Not a Threat.

Location: Lonerock to west of Highway 207 | Size: 137,222 acres | Containment: 98% 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 202

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Condon, Ore. — Fire crews are continuing in their mission of patrolling fire lines to ensure there are no risks to containment. Interior smokes are normal and will continue until season-ending precipitation in the form of rain or snow. These smokes represent no threat to the fire lines or fire containment and should not be reported. 
 

Weather—A weather system has brought higher relative humidity levels and shading of fuels in the area. Today may bring very weak showers and the possibility of lightning or dry lightning. Tomorrow sees a 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms late in the day, but it is not expected to yield much moisture. No significant weather events are expected in the next few days.

Safety— Remember that fuels in the area such as grass and timber remain very dry and available to burn. Use caution with all open flame, spark hazards and overhead power lines. Check trailer chains carefully to make sure they will not drag. Operate small engines with spark arresters installed on the muffler. Do not park in high grass. For more ideas, refer to: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/fireprevention.aspx 
 

Closures —

• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM-managed lands along the main stem pf the John Day River and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, OR. to Dale, OR.

Evacuation information: Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) public information map.

Smoke Information: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for local air quality information.
 

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Cougar Creek Fire Update for August 10, 2024

Incident Commander Jeff Dimke

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 12

509-210-2928, staffed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

2024.cougarcreek@firenet.gov 

Quick Facts:

Size: 21,477 Acres               

Start Date: July 15, 2024        

Cause: Under investigation

Location: SW of Clarkston, 1 mile west of Hwy 129 and Grand Ronde River intersection

Containment: 40%              

Personnel: 416                       

Fire Strategy: Full suppression                       

Resources Assigned: 6 crews, 3 helicopters, 31 engines, 13 water tenders, 27 heavy equipment

The Cougar Creek Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Umatilla National Forest bordering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. 

Operations: Firefighters yesterday held and improved containment lines along FSR 40 near Saddle Butte. Fire crews had favorable winds yesterday on the western fire flank and initiated firing from Horrible Butte south to Little Saddle and north towards Cabin Saddle Campground. An aerial reconnaissance flight revealed no smoke at all from the spot fire crews finished securing yesterday. Last night, crews patrolled the recently burned lines on the fire's perimeter, mopped up, and secured areas as needed. Firefighting resources from the Cougar Creek Fire are also available to assist with initial attack on new area fires, if needed today. 

Given favorable conditions today, firefighters will continue moving firing operations both north and south toward Cabin Saddle, working to close that gap in containment lines with assistance from the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System). The UAS team is continuing to utilize a PSD (plastic sphere dispenser) to initiate these precision firing operations. A helicopter-mounted PSD system will also be used today to add additional depth to lines previously burned and will begin the process of burning out the fire’s interior. Fire crews will continue to utilize drip torches to initiate firing in more accessible areas. Heavy and medium helicopters supported firing operations on the western and northwestern fire perimeter with water bucket drops yesterday and will do so again today as needed. Chippers and masticators continue to reduce activity fuels and large woody debris into finer material along accessible roads. A grader will be working on FSR 4039, repairing the road from impacts due to fire traffic.

Evacuations and Closures: Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest closure website. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff website and Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook website. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon, to the Highway 129 junction in Washington. A level 2 evacuation remains in effect for all of Grouse Flat. The TFR remains in effect: https://bit.ly/4duptei. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR as firefighting aircraft cannot fly with unauthorized drones present. Please respect road and area closure orders and use extra caution while driving for your safety as well as our firefighters.

Weather and Smoke: There will be a chance for showers and thunderstorms today; passing thunderstorms in the area could lead to gusty outflow winds. Lightning from area thunderstorms may start new fires. Air quality in the region remains at Moderate quality. Learn more about smoke at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. 

Evacuation statuses reduced for portions of the fire

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,818 
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 1731
Containment: 68% 
Estimated Cost: $56 million 
Resources: 59 crews | 71 engines | 6 helicopters | 34 water tenders | 21 dozers

Highlights: Due to increased containment from firefighter efforts, evacuation statuses reduced across the southern half of the Battle Mountain Complex.

Operations: The entire southern half of the fire is now contained. Yesterday firefighters added containment to the area southwest of Dale. Crews were backhauling equipment including hose, pumps and water tanks from the southwest side of the fire where it is no longer needed. There are still contained lines on the southern half that require evaluation for repair needs. Once the repair plans are finalized, equipment will mobilize to do the work. Suppression repair often involves heavy equipment building water bars on dozer lines to prevent erosion and seeding or covering disturbed areas with brush.

As the southern half of the fire looks towards backhaul of equipment and repair, most of the focus remains on the northern half of the fire. Large logs continue to produce smoke in Alder Creek, but they are far from containment lines. Crews will continue to monitor this area today and act if needed. 

Today fire is expected to creep through Potamus and Ellis Creek drainages as it did yesterday. Northwest of Dale, firefighters will thoroughly inspect the perimeter for any remaining heat. Any heat detected will be extinguished. With increased containment on the southern side, some firefighters working night shift are being moved to day shift to assist where needed.  

Around Penland Lake crews and heavy equipment are working on contingency lines. If fire should cross the direct lines in the Potamus drainage and push north, these backup lines could be used. Heavy equipment is removing fuels along these contingency lines to be sure they are ready if needed.   

Weather: Each afternoon cloud cover will gradually increase through early next week. A few showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon through the weekend. Skies will then clear overnight. Temperatures will range from upper 70s to lower 90s during the day. Lows will range from mid 40s to lower 60s with increased overnight humidity.

Smoke: Smoke has moderated but is expected to persist from regional fires in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel. Helicopters will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support if needed. To see a detailed smoke outlook visit: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: The Bureau of Land Management and the Umatilla National Forest have closed public lands in the fire area. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

Road closures and fire restrictions: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

El humo continuará en el futuro previsible, no será una amenaza.

Acres: 20,019 acres | Fecha de inicio: 21 de Julio 2024 | Causa: Rayo | Combustibles: Madera, hierba, arbustos.

Contención: 89% | Recursos: 329

Sabado, 10 de Agosto de 2024

Puntos Sobresalientes: Los bomberos continúan asegurando una mayor contención con esfuerzos directos de extinción a lo largo del lado este superior del perímetro del incendio, justo al sureste de Merrill Springs, y también a lo largo del lado este central de la línea de fuego. Más bomberos llegarán al incendio Courtrock procedente del incendio Lone Rock este fin de semana para ayudar con los puntos críticos restantes a lo largo de la línea de fuego este. Un helicóptero Tipo 1 ayudará con tiradas de agua en áreas que aún muestran calor dentro del interior del incendio. Es posible que se vea humo desde las carreteras, pero eso no es un indicador de riesgo para la contención. Las actividades de extinción en el extremo sur del incendio Courtrock han finalizado y actualmente las cuadrillas están retirando el equipo.

Clima: Un sistema climático ha provocado niveles más altos de humedad relativa y la nubosidad está dando sombra a los combustibles. Hoy pueden traer aguaceros muy débiles y posibilidad de rayos o relámpagos secos. Mañana hay un 20% de probabilidad de tormentas eléctricas aisladas al final del día, pero no se espera que produzca mucha humedad. No se esperan fenómenos meteorológicos significativos en los próximos días.

Seguridad: Recuerde que los combustibles de la zona, como el pasto y la madera, permanecen muy secos y disponibles para quemar. Tenga cuidado con cualquier objeto que produzca una llama visible, riesgos de chispas y líneas eléctricas. Revise las cadenas del remolque con cuidado para asegurarse de que no se arrastren. Opere motores pequeños con parachispas instalados en el silenciador. No se estacione en pasto alto. Para obtener más ideas, visite el Departamento de Silvicultura de Oregón.

Cierres: Las órdenes de cierre están bajo revisión constante. Las agencias consideran muchos factores con respecto a estas revisiones. La seguridad pública es siempre la primera consideración. También se consideran la caza, la recolección de leña y otros usos del terreno. Las agencias abrirán terrenos a estos usos tan pronto como la seguridad lo permita.

• El Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. ha emitido cierres para el Bosque Nacional Malheur. Para obtener información sobre los cierres del Bosque Nacional Malheur, visite https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

Evacuaciones: No hay evacuaciones de Nivel 3 (¡Vayase ahora!) en vigor.

• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Grant, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Grant o regístrese en el Sistema de Alerta de Emergencias del Condado de Grant.
• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Morrow, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Morrow.

Refugios: 

• El centro de evacuación está establecido en Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

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RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE Saturday, August 10, 2024

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Size: 540 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024 Cause: Lightning Containment: 0% Total Personnel: 282

Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR County: Klamath

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness of 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 Mitch Ketron, has assumed command of the Red Fire. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – The northern section of the shaded fuel break from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort is about 90% finished. Crews are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60, which follows the northwest shore of Crescent Lake. All structure protection assessments around Odell Lake Resort, Diamond Peak Estates, Willamette Ski Resort, and surrounding homes have been completed. Road crews continued using heavy equipment to improve two miles of FSR 6010 yesterday, making it safer and more accessible for firefighters and heavy equipment.

Today’s Activities – The Southern Area Gray Team is continuing efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. Firefighters are finishing the shaded fuel break’s north section and will continue expanding it west along FSR 60. Crews working around residences near Crescent Lake’s northwest shore are preparing hoses and sprinklers that can protect structures if needed. Road improvement work will also continue on FSR 6010. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest will continue to closely work with firefighters to protect sensitive areas.

Weather and Smoke – Sunny today with a high temperature of 75° and minimum humidity of 30%. Light winds from the west/northwest with afternoon gusts to 18 mph. Most smoke in the area is drifting in from other wildfires, but the Red Fire’s smoke output may become more visible as it encounters heavier fuels. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest has implemented an emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for the Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit

www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management for more information or to sign up for alerts.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – are in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.

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

Smoke Will Continue into the Foreseeable Future, Not a Threat.

Acres: 20,019 acres | Start Date: July 21st, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, grass, brush

Containment: 89% |Resources: 320

MONUMENT, Ore. – Firefighters continue to secure more containment with direct fire suppression efforts along the upper east side of the fire’s perimeter, just southeast of Merrill Springs, and along the central east side of the fireline. More firefighters will be arriving at the Courtrock Fire from the Lone Rock Fire to help with the remaining hotspots along the eastern fireline. A Type-1 helicopter will assist with water drops this weekend in areas that still show heat within the fire’s interior. Smoke may be visible from the roads, however, that is not an indicator of risk to containment. Suppression activities on the southern end of the Courtrock Fire have been finished, and crews are currently removing equipment.
 

Weather– A weather system has brought higher relative humidity levels and cloud cover is shading fuels. Today may bring very weak showers and the possibility of lightning or dry lightning. Tomorrow sees a 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms late in the day, but it is not expected to yield much moisture. No significant weather events are expected in the next few days.
 

Safety- Remember that fuels in the area such as grass and timber remain very dry and available to burn. Use caution with all open flame, spark hazards and overhead power lines. Check trailer chains carefully to make sure they will not drag. Operate small engines with spark arresters installed on the muffler. Do not park in high grass. For more ideas, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry .
 

Closures: Closure orders are under constant review. Agencies consider many factors with regard to these reviews. Public safety is always the first consideration. Hunting, firewood gathering, and other land uses are also considered. Agencies will open lands to these uses as soon as safety allows.

• For Malheur National Forest closures information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events 

Evacuations– No level 3 (go now) evacuations are in effect. 

• For Grant County evacuation information, visit Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System 
• For Morrow County evacuation information, visit the link below.