Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update 

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

Sunday, August 25, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 645 

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,064 

Resources: 15 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, 26 Engines, 7 Dozers, 8 Masticators, 4 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers (these numbers include Pyramid Fire resources) 

Fire Cause: Lightning   

Summary  

The beneficial precipitation over the fire area has ended, and a drying trend is expected in the coming days. Fire activity is expected to slowly increase as this warming and drying trend continues into next week. Creeping and smoldering fire behavior occurred on the four uncontained fires. 

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

Fire crews continue to monitor and improve containment lines on the south, east, and north portions of the fire. They also continue to improve and deepen completed direct lines on the western fire edge. Finally, firefighters continue to prep indirect lines and address fire-weakened trees and snags. 

Moss Mountain Fire (864 acres, 0% containment)  

Indirect tactics continue to be used utilizing heavy equipment to remove vegetation, woody debris and brush along the mountain road system. This work results in an effective fuel break. Firefighters are securing spots south of Forest Service Road 2120. Crews continue to prep dozer lines along the north side of the fire. 

208 Fire (252 acres, 0% containment)  

The 208 Fire is being monitored and patrolled in the wilderness using aerial resources. When necessary, helicopters are using bucket drops to keep the fire in check.  

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,179 acres, 100% contained) 

The 217, Tire Mountain, McKinley, and Coffeepot fires are 100% contained and are patrolled regularly. Fire crews continue improving contingency lines established around the Coffeepot Fire. 

Weather and Fire Behavior  

Today, skies will clear with full sunshine by afternoon. High temperatures in the lower 60s, relative humidity near 60% and light winds are expected. Increasing warmer and drier conditions will persist throughout the week ahead. Recent precipitation with minimum relative humidity above 90% has limited fire activity to concentrations of large woody fuel. 

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.