Single Publication

Fire Update – Oakridge Lightning Fires

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – 10:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email:2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Note: This update covers seven wildland fires on the Willamette National Forest being managed by the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CIMT1). The Team assumed command of the fires on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We thank the Willamette National Forest and initial attack firefighters for setting us up for success as we continue working to suppress these fires.

Current Situation: Suppression activities are underway on fires deemed the highest priority, namely the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Additional resources have been requested to bolster suppression efforts, however, with 38 large fires in Oregon alone, resources for fire suppression are extremely limited and are being prioritized carefully statewide. An infrared flight occurred on Tuesday and has provided incident management staff a more accurate assessment of fire perimeters. Coordination of suppression activities with local, state, and industry representatives is ongoing. Information about the fires and our suppression activities is available daily through these updates, social media, InciWeb, and community information boards. The following fire information is listed in order of suppression priority.

Chalk Fire (2,427 acres, 0% contained) – Tuesday’s infrared flight shows that the Chalk Fire’s perimeter has grown by approximately 1,000 acres to its current 2,247 acres. The Chalk Fire is burning in a mixture of continuous fuel, all of which are receptive to fire. Existing roads and previous fire breaks are being used to build containment line. Mechanized equipment is being used to support control efforts on the main part of the fire. The Chalk Fire abuts the 2021 Gales Fire scar, which will slow its progress and assist with control.

Coffeepot Fire (613 acres, 0% contained) – Activity on the Coffeepot Fire increased on Tuesday due to strong winds aligning with steep, rugged terrain. An airtanker supported efforts yesterday on the Coffeepot Fire to attack the fire.

Moss Mountain Fire (168 acres, 0% contained) – The fire is threatening the Wolf Mountain communications site. Firefighters and heli-rappelers are working to contain the fire edge with some success. Firefighters will also tie the fire into existing fire footprints in the area will also be used to limit fire spread. 

208 Fire (112 acres, 0% contained) – This fire is entirely within the Diamond Peak Wilderness and while it is spreading with moderate growth, it does not currently present a threat to high values at risk. The Pacific Crest Trail, which runs near this fire, is closed within the Wilderness.

217 Fire (32 acres, 0% contained) – This fire is also within Diamond Peak Wilderness and is threatening to spread outside the Wilderness boundary on its north flank. The fire is being assessed for future actions.

Tire Mountain Fire (20 acres, partially contained) – This fire is in steep old growth timber on a north slope and is accessible to smaller engines by road. Firefighters have made good progress constructing fireline on the west and south sides. Containment is expected in the near term.

McKinley Fire (26 acres, partially contained) – In steep terrain south of the 19 Road. Containment is anticipated in the near term.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

A northwest air flow is establishing with seasonal temperatures. Nighttime temperatures are dropping to 45-55 degrees with relative humidity of 60-80%. An inversion over the area this morning has held smoke at ground level. The inversion will break around 1:00 pm, allowing temperatures to rise to 70-80 degrees and humidity to lower to 35-40%. These conditions will contribute to increasing fire activity in the afternoon, with potential for spotting and increased rates of spread.

Evacuations:

There are no evacuations in place at the present time.

Closures and Fire Restrictions:

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. For specific information follow this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: 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.

Fire Statistics:

Size and Containment: See below

Total Personnel: Over 400

Location: N & S of Oakridge, OR

Reported: Various

Cause: Lightning

For More Information:

Information Phone:
(541) 208-1742

Email:
2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-oakridge-lightning-fires-2024

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeLightningFires2024/