Single Publication

SPECIAL NOTE

A recording of last night’s community meeting can be found on the 2024 Pyramid and Ore Fire Info Youtube Channel. 

CURRENT SITUATION

Improved visibility is expected today, which may allow aerial resources to support fire suppression and burnout operations across the Willamette Complex North. More direct and widespread sunlight will generally increase fire weather concerns. 

Ore Fire

Blue River, 2,727 Acres, 15% Contained, 162 Total Personnel, Cause Under Investigation

Yesterday’s weather allowed crews to continue firing operations on the western and northern flanks of the fire—with the goal of inhibiting fire growth beyond the 1509 Road.  Night crews continued burnout operations with favorable winds, adding depth to containment lines.  Crews on the northern flank did, however, experience small spot fires, and suspended firing operations.  Overnight infrared flights continue to show intense and scattered heat across the fire. Today, crews will work to secure the spot fires, before evaluating opportunities to continue burnout operations. Crews and heavy equipment across the Ore Fire will continue to prepare indirect fire line, patrol the perimeter, secure threats to the line by removing trees, snags and other fuels, and suppress any flare-ups or hot spots. 

Pyramid Fire

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,323 Acres, 72% Contained, 185 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

The fire perimeter continues to hold, with pockets of intense and scattered heat identified by infrared technology.  Crews and heavy equipment will continue to hold and improve line, by mopping up and extinguishing hot spots. 

Weather & Fire Behavior

Marine influence will recede today, though generally cool and moist air will remain, along with clearer skies and more sun.  Predicted maximum temperature is 76 to 80 °F in the valleys and 70 to 74 °F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is 40 to 46% in the valleys and 44 to 50% on the ridgetops. Heavy fuels continue to hold heat, and more direct and widespread sunlight will generally increase fire weather concerns.  For smoke and air quality conditions visit: AirNow.gov 

Evacuations, Closures & Fire Restrictions

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit linnsheriff.org/. 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect in the Willamette National Forest. 

Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487. 

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. 

For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.