Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update

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

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Total Willamette Complex Personnel: 1,273

Total Willamette Complex  Acres: 13,040

Fire Cause: Lightning 

Summary

On Friday, weather conditions remained suitable for continued progress on fireline construction and low-intensity firing operations using uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). While fire managers anticipate that these fires will continue to burn until a season-ending event, progress continues to keep communities safe. 

On Saturday morning, August 10 the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 3 took command of the seven Willamette Complex South fires. The team is led by Incident Commander (IC) Peter Butteri. Alaska CIMT 3 is grateful for the work of outgoing Rocky Mountain CIMT1 and will build from their work to establish strong lines of communication with crews on the ground and with local communities. 

Chalk Fire (4,930 acres, 50% containment)
On Friday, the Chalk Fire continued to burn actively on the west side, where aerial firing operations targeted previously unburned islands within the fire perimeter to remove fuels and reduce the risk of high-intensity fire. Otherwise, fire activity is minimal. Crews will continue to strengthen and patrol indirect containment lines outside the western and northern edges of the fire. 

Coffeepot Fire (5,907 acres, 35% containment)
Friday saw minimal fire activity on the south, west, and northern portions of the Coffeepot Fire where suppression actions have been successful. Aerial firing operations were successful in removing fuels within previously unburned islands near the southeastern edge of the fire perimeter. Crews continue to strengthen and secure indirect containment lines around the southeastern edges of the fire along Forest Roads 2120 and 2129. 

Moss Mountain Fire (627 acres, 0% containment)
The rugged terrain and erratic wind within and surrounding the Moss Mountain Fire makes this area especially dangerous for firefighters and challenging for managers to predict potential fire behavior. Fire managers will look for opportunities to minimize fire spread south by identifying areas to construct and secure indirect line tying into previously burned areas. Crews in the area will continue to construct indirect fireline along Forest Roads 2120 and 23 to prepare for potential future fire spread. 

208 Fire (183 acres, 0% containment)
The 208 Fire in the Diamond Peak Wilderness has shown little growth over the past several days. Fire managers will assess the fire today from the air, conditions permitting. 

217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire 
The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley Fires are 100% contained and in patrol status. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

The weekend will be the start of a cooling trend. Winds will remain light and primarily from the northwest. By Monday, cooler marine air will bring lower temperatures and higher relative humidities. As a result, fire behavior is expected to decrease in intensity over the next several days. 

Evacuations

For evacuation information please visit: https://www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2024wildfires 

To sign up for evacuation alerts please visit: https://www.LaneAlerts.org  

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 follow this link:  
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029 

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.   

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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