Single Publication

Monday, August 19, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 875

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,005

Resources: 2 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 24 Type 2 Crews, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, 25 Type 6 Engines, 9 Dozers, 7 Masticators, 3 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Crews took advantage of the recent rain and added containment to the Coffeepot Fire on the Willamette Complex South. While Saturday’s rainstorms temporarily added much needed moisture to the fire area, it also increases possibility of falling trees. Crews began Sunday by assessing and removing hazards, such as fallen trees and rocks, along containment lines, roads, and trails. There were several new fires starts on the Willamette National Forest as a result of lightning that were handled by the local units.

Chalk Fire (5,663 acres, 57% containment) 

Crews on the east side of the fire are confident in the containment lines and are starting to move equipment out of the area. Work continues on the northern boundary where crews are working direct on the fireline. Felling crews are clearing fire-weakened trees and snags to secure the containment line.  

Coffeepot Fire (6,175 acres, 71% containment) 

On the Coffeepot Fire, crews on the north are securing, patrolling, and mopping up control lines. Crews continue to remove brush and heavy fuels to widen the area from the perimeter into the fire area to make the containment line secure. 

 Moss Mountain Fire (837 acres, 0% containment) 

The Midnight Sun Hotshot crew is evaluating the northern edge of the Moss Mountain Fire to determine the most effective containment strategy. Moss Mountain exhibited increased fire activity on Sunday, burning inside of the southern tip that crossed Forest Road 2120. 

 208 Fire (245 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire in the Diamond Peak Wilderness is exhibiting slow growth within a remote wilderness area. On Sunday, helicopters dropped water on the fire to reduce fire activity. 

 217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire 

The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires are 100% contained. Fire managers are monitoring status regularly. Crews are starting to haul equipment out of the 217 Fire as it remains inactive. 

 Weather and Fire Behavior 

Moderate conditions will persist through the beginning of the week with a slight warming and drying trend expected around Tuesday. Light, wetting rain showers are anticipated late in the week. Moderate fire behavior is expected, with smoldering, creeping, and occasional single-tree torching. 

 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. Temporary road barricades are in place to restrict traffic across the fire areas. 

• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Visit 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.     

For More Information 

Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WillametteComplexFiresSouth