Single Publication

Sunday, August 18, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 876 

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 12,945 

Resources: 3 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 22 Type 2 Crews, 3 Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, 25 Type 6 Engines, 14 Dozers, 10 Masticators, and 1 Skid Steer 

Fire Cause: Lightning  

 Summary 

Saturday, the Willamette Complex Fires South experienced scattered, heavy rainfall, calming fire behavior. Crews are continuing to secure containment lines, ensuring that the fireline is not breached by debris. Their efforts are aided by heavy machinery and the mapping provided by the thermal imaging capabilities of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). In addition, initial attack crews will assist the Willamette National Forest with new lighting starts, as needed. 

 Chalk Fire (5,654 acres, 57% containment) 

Areas around the Chalk Fire received over a half inch of rain. On the southwest section of the fire, crews will continue to improve completed control lines, working west along Forest Road 1912 and tying back into the main body of the fire on Forest Road 1925. UAS will be used for strategic firing operations as conditions allow. 

 Coffeepot Fire (6,174 acres, 58% containment) 

The Coffeepot fire experienced high levels of precipitation Saturday evening, with quarter sized hail and received over a quarter inch of rain. Crews on the Coffeepot Fire are improving control lines and are continuing to secure the unburned island that remains on the southeast section of the fire. 

 Moss Mountain Fire (825 acres, 0% containment) 

A weather station near Moss Mountain received a quarter of an inch of rain on Saturday. Crews are working to secure spots south of Forest Road 2120 and connect it into the main body of the fire. UAS will be used to identify hot spots for search and destroy missions, as conditions allow. 

 208 Fire (245 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire in the Diamond Peak Wilderness is unstaffed and monitored by air. 

 217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire 

The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires are 100% contained. Fire managers are continuing to monitor. 

 Weather and Fire Behavior 

Some areas of the Willamette Complex received upwards of a half inch of rain from Saturday afternoon showers. While the rain subdued fire activity and made fine fuels less combustible, heavy fuels will continue to burn. Wet ground may increase the chance of burning trees falling across containment lines. 

 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