Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update

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

Saturday, August 24, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 864

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,082

Resources: 1 Type 2 Hotshot Crew, 15 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 28 Engines, 8 Dozers, 7 Masticators, 4 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Widespread showers fell throughout the Willamette Complex South yesterday. Since Thursday afternoon, significant wetting rain fell over the Willamette Complex South fires and higher elevations saw periods of light snow. Firefighters observed smoldering pockets of heat the past two days. The recent moisture will continue impacting the complex fire activity over the next few days. Fire activity is expected to slowly increase as a drying trend sets in over the next week. Crews will continue to work on mop-up and patrolling the fires within the complex as conditions are safe.     

Chalk Fire (5,684 acres, 66% containment) 

Crews will continue working on securing the fire edge along the east side.The west side of the fireline continues to be the priority for ongoing work. Hazard trees remain a risk to firefighters along the west side of the fire, especially after the recent precipitation. Efforts to remove the hazard trees by felling crews will  continue.

Moss Mountain Fire (864 acres, 0% containment) 

Rain and snow limited the progress of crews yesterday. As conditions improve, crews will continue to prioritize strengthening the contingency lines to hold back the southern growth of the Moss Mountain Fire. Holding efforts are challenged by the heavy timber, steep terrain, rollout downhill, and recent precipitation. A hotshot crew is supporting the ongoing efforts. Heavy machinery is helping to create more open space between trees in the shaded fuel break. At the same time, feller bunchers, masticators, and chippers are used to clear woody undergrowth and prevent fire from spreading beyond the containment line.

208 Fire (252 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire is being monitored and patrolled using aerial resources due to minimal activity on the perimeter. When necessary, helicopters use bucket drops to keep fire in check.

217 Fire (38 acres 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,197 acres, 100% contained)

With 100% containment on the 217, Tire Mountain, Coffee Pot and McKinley fires, all are being patrolled regularly. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

After another round of rain Friday night, cool and moist conditions will continue Saturday under mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will be in the 50s across the Willamette Complex South with 80% humidity.

Closures and Fire Restrictions 

• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.