Single Publication

Our primary mission on the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire is to serve the public diligently. With the safety of the public and our firefighters in mind, we are committed to addressing the needs and concerns of your communities by managing and controlling the fires to keep your forests, parks, and natural areas safe and enjoyable. Utilizing safe, yet effective firefighting suppression methods, our goal is to help you return to enjoying the outdoors. 

Transfer of command of the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire from California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 to Southern Area Gold 3 Incident Management Team will occur at 7:00 a.m. Saturday.  

The Diamond Complex in the Umpqua National Forest consists of 32 fires totaling approximately 11,152 acres and is 77 percent contained. Thirty of the 32 fires in the Diamond Complex are now 100 percent contained. 

The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park is 5,281 acres and is 42 percent contained. The fire is primarily burning within the 2015 National Creek and 2017 Spruce Lake fire scars. Throughout the fire area there is an extreme hazard to firefighters due to falling dead standing trees remaining from the 2015 and 2017 fires.

Containment of the Diamond Complex increased to 77 percent, one percent higher than yesterday. Hotter, drier weather is leading to a slight increase in fire activity of internal fuels. There has been no growth to the fire’s perimeter, but some fuels have ignited near the fire’s perimeter. Crews continue to implement direct and indirect strategies, utilizing natural barriers where appropriate. Fire crews continue to patrol and mop-up, locating and extinguishing areas of residual heat to the extent necessary on the fire edges. An initial attack group, comprised of hand crews, engines, dozers, water tenders, falling modules, and task force leaders are in place to swiftly respond if there any new fire starts. Excess equipment is being backhauled and relocated as needed.

OPERATIONS:

Middle Fork Fire: (5,281 acres, 42% contained):

Crews continue to construct direct fireline using minimally invasive suppression tactics (MIST) and are making forward progress. Crews continue to remove hazard trees for firefighter safety along the 230 Road and along the North Entrance Road. The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park remains closed. Infrared monitoring identified limited spread. The park remains open.

Diamond Complex Fires:

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 3,990 acres, 65% contained):

The fire perimeter and containment level remain the same as yesterday. Crews will be patrolling and mopping up on the fire’s edge on the west, south, and east sides. On the north side of the fire, in the Boulder Creek Wilderness, crews will scout the area where safe to do so and direct aircraft to areas of heat. This area is extremely steep terrain and difficult in areas for firefighters to engage directly. 

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 3,416 acres, 38% contained):

On the eastern and northern side, firefighters continue to mop up and eliminate hot spots. On the southern perimeter, firefighters will continue to construct direct and indirect line. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Weather continues to be a concern as very dry conditions persist over the area. Relative humidities fell into the mid-teens yesterday, while temperatures rose to the mid 80’s to low 90s.  Dry conditions will remain in place today and tomorrow, with possible thunderstorms with dry lightning Sunday and Monday. Winds will remain variable today before northeast winds become dominant at the end of the day.  

SMOKE OUTLOOK:

For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/

EVACUATIONS:

None. As of August 23, 2024, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation orders for all areas. 

FOREST CLOSURE:

Please note that all Umpqua National Forest Ranger Stations are closed on Monday, Sept 2 in observance of Labor Day. 

On August 27, 2024 the Forest issued an updated closure order, allowing increased access to specific roads, trails, and campgrounds that are listed as exemptions in Forest Order 06-15-24-07. For more information visit the Umpqua National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/?aid=88996.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure for the area north and west of Crater Lake National Forest along Highway 230 south to the intersection with Highway 62. See the Closure Order and map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices.

PARK CLOSURE:

The North Entrance Road is closed from North Junction to the park boundary at the junction with Highway 138, until Saturday. It will remain open over the holiday weekend and close again on Tuesday, September 3rd. Expect busier than usual traffic at both park entrances. Crater Lake National Park has several closures in effect, closure orders and maps can be found at:  https://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-north-entrance-road-continues.htm

Long lines and waits of up to 2 hours should be expected throughout the holiday weekend at both entrance stations. The South Entrance Station will be especially busy on Friday, August 30th, as it will be the only entrance into the park. Arriving before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM may reduce wait times. If the park is not your destination, please consider avoiding Highway 62 and taking an alternative route. Please be advised that fire operations may necessitate temporary closures or delays along the North Entrance Road at any time.

Beginning at 6:00 AM Tuesday, September 3rd, and continuing until further notice, the North Entrance will again be closed to all traffic to allow for hazard reduction work related to the Middle Fork Fire to resume.  During this time, access to the park will be limited to the South Entrance.  We recommend checking the latest conditions and road status before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Updates will be available on the park website at www.nps.gov/crla and on Oregon Tripcheck at www.tripcheck.com.\

REMINDER: The Pacific Crest Trail between the Lightning Springs and Rim Trail Intersections, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails are closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the Middle Fork Fire. Hikers and bikers may not use the North Entrance Road to enter or leave Crater Lake National Park.