Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update 

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

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/ 

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1742

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 575

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,070

Resources*: 2 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 10 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 1 Helicopter, 19 Engines, 6 Dozers, 13 Masticators, 5 Skid Steer, and 4 Feller Bunchers (* The numbers include Pyramid Fire resources)

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Firefighters continue to make progress with the improved weather conditions. On Chalk Mountain, pockets of heat are still notable along the northwest side of the fire, where fire crews are focusing efforts to strengthen the control line and address hotspots and snags as they are discovered. Yesterday, on Moss Mountain, helicopters provided water bucket drops, mainly along the south side of the fire near the 2120 road. Fire crews also worked on removing fire-weakened trees and snags along the 2300 road. Helicopters will be available again today and working with the hotshot crews along all sides of the fire to provide water bucket drops to cool down lingering pockets of heat.   

Chalk Fire (5,689 acres, 66% containment) 

Fire crews continue to monitor and improve the containment lines on the south, east, and north sides of the fire. On the west side, crews are continuing to strengthen and deepen completed control lines from the main body of the fire, west along 1912 road and tying back into the main body of the fire on 1925 road and addressing fire-weakened trees and snags and mopping up hot spots as they are discovered.

Moss Mountain Fire (865 acres, 0% containment) 

Hotshot crews are working along the fire's south side to secure Forest Service Road 2120, scouting out the Hills Creek area to observe any possible fire movement from the ground level and looking for potential routes to implement a control line. Work on the indirect tactics along Forest Roads 2210 and 23, involving heavy equipment to remove vegetation, woody debris and brush along the mountain road system, continues. This work results in an effective fuel break. 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 

A weak storm system will arrive today, bringing slightly cooler temperatures. Highs will be in the low 60s with 53% relative humidity. The wind will be out of the northwest, seven mph, gusting up to 16 mph. Warmer and breezier conditions return later in the week. 

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.