Single Publication

Great Basin Team 5 assumes command of Homestead Complex

Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the fires in the Homestead Complex at 6 a.m. today. The fires that make up the Homestead Complex were started by lightning on July 16 when a series of storms moved through the area. The total estimated acreage for all of the fires combined is about 1,000 acres. There are 160 people assigned to the complex with more firefighting resources expected to arrive in the coming days.

Most of the fires are in steep, rugged, inaccessible terrain. Team 5 is dividing the complex into a West Division and an East Division. This will allow for better command and control of firefighting operations. 

The named fires in the West Division include the Lost Bucket, No Man, and Steelhead fires. The Lost Bucket Fire is near Francis Creek about 3 miles north of Chilcoot Mountain. Firefighters with the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) have built a line around the Lost Bucket Fire, but it will need to be reinforced and mopped up before the fire can be declared contained. The No Man Fire is north of Chilcoot Mountain near No Man Creek, while the Steelhead Fire is northeast of Chilcoot Mountain. Both fires are currently unstaffed, but Team 5 Operations personnel are exploring opportunities to engage the fires.

The fires in the East Division include the Horse Heaven, Reynolds Butte and Fuller Lake fires. The Horse Heaven Fire is burning near the end of Forest Road 100 to the east of Horse Heaven Creek. It is staffed with five engine crews, one Type 2 hand crew, a feller buncher and a masticator. The Reynolds Butte Fire is burning on the northwest slope of Reynolds Butte. The fire is staffed with a Type 1 hotshot crew, a Type 2 hand crew, and four engine crews. The Fuller Lake Fire is burning in the area of Bulldog Creek and the Fuller Shelter Forest Camp. It is currently unstaffed and is being assessed for possible operations when additional resources become available. 

Weather today is expected to be cooler, with cloud cover in the morning. Light winds are forecast. The combination of cool temperatures, light winds, and higher humidity will create favorable conditions for firefighters. Fire activity is expected to be low.

Area fire restrictions and danger ratings are as follows: Fire Danger Rating: High. Industrial Fire Restrictions: 2. Public Use Fire Restrictions: 2.

CLOSURES: The Umpqua National Forest issued a Forest Closure order on July 20, 2024, in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. This closure impacts all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District and parts of the Diamond Lake, North Umpqua, and Tiller ranger districts. The closure includes the Boulder Flat Campground and Boat Launch. To view the order, visit www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua.