Single Publication

The Homestead Complex Fire includes seven fires totaling 5,832 acres with an overall containment of 31%. There are 771 personnel currently assigned to the complex. Fire managers continue directing resources to fires based on threats to property, infrastructure, industry, and areas with the highest probability of success while providing for firefighter and public safety. Northern Rockies Team 6 will be taking over management of the Homestead Complex Fire from Northwest Incident Management Team 8 as of 6 AM tomorrow.

Today, fire managers will be assessing, evaluating and adjusting operations in response to impacts that yesterday’s thunderstorm may have left behind on the fire, including concerns for firefighter safety such as road conditions, tree hazards and debris. Once fire managers have assessed the situation on the fire complex, a plan to safely re-engage suppression operations will be put into action. Firefighters will be on the lookout for any new lightning caused fire starts and will be available as an initial attack resource for the North Umpqua Ranger District north of Highway 138, coordinating response with the local fire resources.

Yesterday, firefighters worked on the fire until it was evident that the predicted thunderstorm event was going to pass over the Homestead Complex Fire in the early afternoon. Fire managers implemented their safety plan ahead of the storm’s arrival and directed all operations to be discontinued and directed all personnel to return to fire camp as a safety measure.

On the No Man (1,899 acres) and Salmon 33 (250 ac.) fires, the firing group attempted a planned tactical burnout operation on the south flank but soon decided to hold-up until burning conditions improved enough to produce a clean burn. Also prior to the storm, crews continued to improve contingency and primary lines on both fires.

On the Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,240 ac.), on the north flank, crews were looking for opportunities to construct direct handline, including establishing control lines around a “slopover” in the northwest corner of the fire near Horse Heaven Creek. Work continued on the south flank mopping up, holding and improving handline. Work also continued on building and improving contingency lines to the west, north and east flanks of the fire. Crews completed mopping-up a small spot fire in the southwest corner of the fire.

On the Bullpup Fire (456 ac.) and Fuller Lake Fire (383 ac.), Crews continued to hold the fire along the 300 Road on the east flanks of both fires. Road work improving contingency lines using the 300 and 5850 roads continued. Reynolds Butte Fire (335 ac) continued to show little activity as crews continued mop-up operations.

Today’s weather: Morning clouds are expected to clear throughout the morning, giving way to mostly sunny skies by the afternoon. Temperatures will remain in the 60s with relative humidity’s in the 40s and 50s. Winds will generally be out of the west-southwest 5-9 mph with gusts up to 18 mph at the ridge tops.

Current forest fire restrictions and danger ratings are: 

Fire Danger Rating: Very High

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL): 3

Public Use Fire Restrictions (PUR): 3

CLOSURES:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, has issued a closure order for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat. The closure order can be viewed here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf.

The Umpqua National Forest has Emergency Fire Closures in place impacting every district of the forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.

Fire Prevention:

Douglas Forest Protective Association Facebook message, August 17: Debris burning is NOT allowed because it is raining. Rain does not change the fire danger levels that are on the district. Please continue to follow all regulations that are in place to keep everyone safe from human-caused wildfires.