Single Publication

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 27 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 7,629 acres, with 702 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: Lakes and rivers may be used as a water source for firefighting aircraft, which pick up water when hovering or flying across the surface. When aircraft approach at low altitudes, please clear the area and stay away. Several aircraft may be using the water. This incident now has several scooper planes and helicopters assigned and will be dipping from various water sources.

OPERATIONS:

Middle Fork Fire (3,165 acres, 1% contained): Fire growth to the northeast occurred yesterday as anticipated, although there were no big runs. The fire is burning in the old National Fire burn scar, getting into unburned pockets of vegetation as well as burning through big, heavy dead logs that hold heat and generate a lot of smoke. Firefighters continue working on indirect line using masticators and dozers, constructing lines and opening road systems. Crews are laying hoses and pumps along many of these lines. 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, 2,160 acres, 15% contained): The fire has crossed Boulder Creek in some areas. Helicopters have been dropping water to slow the fire's spread and buy time to get in control lines. Masticator operators are working up the 4760 road on the edge of the west side of the Wilderness to clear vegetation and create control lines. Crews cleared vegetation along a dozer line on the south edge of the Wilderness to the fire's edge. Hand crews are piecing together some of this line with handline. Masticator and dozer operators are constructing an indirect line northeast of the fire, and crews have installed hoses and pumps along a portion of this line. Additional road systems are being prepped on the east as a contingency line to protect infrastructure at Toketee Falls if needed. The south portion of the eastern fire perimeter is looking secure.

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 2060 acres, 0% contained): Crews are putting structure protection wrap around wooden trestles and other Pacificorp infrastructure south of the fire. Fire managers are scouting ridges and road systems for fireline opportunities.

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 374 acres, 0% contained): The fire pushed south into the Bear Creek drainage yesterday. Firefighters utilized helicopters conducting water drops to cool the fire’s edge and slow spread. Fire managers are now looking at road systems further south as potential control features.

Lost Fire (Northeast of the Trep Fire, 51 acres, 0% contained): Six rappelers (firefighters inserted by helicopter) were assigned to this fire. They will work on it in the coming days.

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 276 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters continue mopping up where the fire slopped over the road to the south. Crews are opening roads to the northeast. Sawyers are cutting down hazard trees ahead of additional firefighters arriving so they can access and fight the fire directly.

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 165 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters are having success on this fire. Masticators are opening road systems to allow direct access to the fire. A combination of handline and dozer line will be used to control this fire.

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1247 acres, 20% contained): Firefighters were finally able to begin firing operations on the south piece. They have about 150 feet left to burn, so they can start mopping up and securing that edge. The rest of the fire is holding and looking good. 

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 843 acres, 40% contained): This fire is currently being patrolled by air. Yesterday, there was some heat on the eastern perimeter in the Wilderness.

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:  

Watson Fire (237 acres, 50% contained)

Loafer Fire (42 acres, 50% contained)

Bear Trap Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain, 64 acres, 50% contained)

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

Rough Fire (11 acres, 25% 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) 

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: Today is another day of low humidity and temperatures in the 80’s, although they will be slightly improved from yesterday. Fire behavior analysts still expect an uptick in fire activity. By Friday and into the weekend, humidity should increase, and temperatures will cool off, reducing fire behavior again.

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 issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 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. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations