Willamette Complex Fires-North

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

Why are roads closed after a wildfire?

Even after wildfires are contained, some roads may remain closed to address post-fire safety and recovery needs, including damage assessments, protection of resources until fragile areas have stabilized or repairs are completed, and for any necessary risk mitigation work.

Closed areas may have unstable soils, falling-rocks, or fire-weakened trees that need to be removed. Some roads may remain closed until hazard trees are removed or infrastructure work, such as bridges and culvert repairs or replacements, are completed.

Areas that are especially large, or where damage is more extensive, or where weather, terrain, availability of motor vehicle access, and other factors pose significant challenges, may take much longer.

10/06/2024

🔥 Young Grasshopper Fire Update – Oct. 6, 2024 🔥
Size: 3,949 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 52
Location: Middle Fork Ranger District, northeast of NF-753 Road

Firefighters saw a moderate increase in fire activity yesterday, with most of the fire growth to the east. Fire activity is expected to increase today as a ridge of high pressure will bring warm temperatures and dry weather conditions.

Resources working the fire include 20-person hand crew, one Hotshot crew, two engines, two masticators, and miscellaneous heavy equipment. In addition, the Willamette South Complex has two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter and one Type 3 helicopter supporting operations on the fire. Firefighters are working as direct as possible to the fire’s edge. Resources are also building indirect fire line and continuing point protection efforts across the fire.

Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority. The tactics used to suppress the fire will be determined by the terrain, fire and weather conditions, and medical response time with a focus on only implementing plans and tactics that have a high probability of success.

Weather: Increasing onshore flow follows for the rest of next week, trending temperatures cooler and humidity higher. Chances for precipitation will also increase next week, with the best chances Thursday and Friday.

Closures: Fire Closures remain in place on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the immediate fire operations area for public and firefighter safety. For a map of all the closure areas and a complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the orders, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

📷: Aerial view of the Young Grasshopper Fire

10/06/2024

10/04/2024

🔥The 431 Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain near the northeast side of the Pyramid Fire’s containment lines. The fire is located between Pyramid and Dry Creek off the end of Forest Service Road 774 near the top of the ridge.
The fire is currently 4 acres, and no anticipated fire growth is expected. Engines and fire crews deployed hose lay and sprinklers. Firefighters will utilize helicopters with bucket drops to cool down hot spots as needed. Both Pyramid and Dry Creek are serving as indirect fire line to limit potential fire spread.

10/01/2024

REDUCTION IN LINTON CREEK FIRE CLOSURE: Due to successful firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions, the Willamette National Forest is reopening recreation sites, trails and forest access by significantly reducing the closed areas around the Linton Creek Fire, Boulder Creek Fire, and other fires that started from the lightning storm on Sept. 6.
The previous Linton Creek Fire Closure has been reduced into four smaller closures around the Boulder Creek, Linton Creek, Young Grasshopper, and 374 Fires (details below).
Over 90 recreation sites and trails are now open and accessible on the McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is expected to re-open Highway 242, restoring access to Dee Wright Observatory from the McKenzie side. For updates on Highway 242, visit TripCheck.com.
With large areas of the Three Sisters and Mt. Washington Wilderness areas reopened and accessible, visitors are reminded to get their Central Cascades Wilderness Permits, which are required through October 15.
The reduced closures also significantly expand hunting opportunities, reopening miles of road and thousands of acres. However, hunters should still review the existing closure maps to ensure they stay out of the closed areas, for their own safety and the safety of firefighters.
✅Newly OPENED Campgrounds and Lookouts
∎ Alder Springs Campground
∎ Box Canyon Guard Station (tentative)
∎ Roaring River Group Campground
∎ Skookum Creek Campground
✅ Newly OPENED Trailheads
∎ Benson/Tenas Lakes Trailhead
∎ Deer Butte Trailhead
∎ Linton Lake Trailhead
∎ Proxy Falls Trailhead
∎ Hand Lake Trailhead
∎ Scott Trailhead
∎ Separation Lake Trailhead
∎ Rainbow Falls Trailhead
∎ Foley Ridge Trailhead
∎ Horse Creek Trailhead
∎ Blair Lake Trailhead
∎ Box Canyon Horse Camp
∎ Box Canyon Trailhead
∎ Crossing Way Trailhead
∎ Elk Creek/South Fork Trailhead
∎ Frissell Crossing Trailhead
∎ Helen Lake Trailhead
∎ Jackpine Way Trailhead
∎ North Fork (Shale Ridge) Trailhead
∎ Olallie Trailhead
∎ Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead at McKenzie Pass
∎ Rebel Trailhead
∎ Rebel Rock Lookout
∎ Roaring Ridge Trailhead (Upper and Lower)
∎ Shale Ridge North Trailhead
✅ Newly OPENED Trails
∎ Breezy Point Trail #3517
∎ Buck Meadows Trail #3521
∎ Constitution Grove Trail #3675
∎ Crossing Way Trail #3307
∎ Erma Bells Trail #3563
∎ Frissell Crossing Trail #3320
∎ Goose Lake Trial #3542
∎ Helen Lake #3577
∎ Horse Lake Trail #3516
∎ Indian Holes #3524
∎ Irish Mountain Trail #3588
∎ Jack Pine Way Trail #3587
∎ James Creek Trail #3546
∎ Judy Lake Trail #3575
∎ Louise Creek Trail #3520
∎ Martin Way Trial #3525.1
∎ North Fork Segment #5 Trail #3666.5
∎ Proxy Falls #3532
∎ Rebel Creek Trail #3323
∎ Rebel Rock Trail #3324
∎ Red Hill Trail #3515
∎ Roaring River Ridge Trail #3312
∎ Robinson Lake Trail #4342
∎ Sardine Butte Trail #3564
∎ Scott-Obsidian Tie Trail #3531.1
∎ Separation Meadow Trail #4331
∎ Shale Ridge Trail #3567
∎ South Fork Trail #3327
∎ Substitute Point Trail #4343
∎ Sunset Lake Trail #3515.1
∎ Wildcat Trail #3331
∎ Williams Lake Trail #3589
⛔ CLOSED Recreation Sites – Linton Creek Fire Closure Order
∎ Obsidian Trail #3528
∎ Glacier Way #4436
∎ Pacific Crest Trail #2000
∎ Linton Meadows #3547
∎ Eileen Lake Trail #4348
∎ Obsidian Trailhead
∎ Obsidian Stock Trailhead
⛔ CLOSED Recreation Sites – 374 Fire Closure Order
∎ McBee Trail #3523 (closed from Trail 3370 to Trail 3518)
∎ Crossing Way #3370 (closed from Trail 3523 to Forest boundary)
∎ Mud Lake Trail #3518
∎ Mink Lake Trail #3526 (closed from Trail 3518 to Trail 2000)
∎ Porky Lake #4338
∎ Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (closed from Trail 4338 southwest when in alignment with Forest boundary)
∎ Elk Creek Trail #3510 (closed from Trail 3523 to Forest boundary)
∎ Starwano Trail #3537
∎ Lake Side Trail #3525
⛔ CLOSED Recreation Sites – Young Grasshopper Fire Closure Order
∎ Grasshopper Trail #3569
∎ Grasshopper Meadow Trail #3314
∎ Chucksney Mountain Trail #3306
∎ Box Canyon Trail #3360
∎ North Fork Segment #4 Trail #3666.4
∎ Indian Ridge Trail #3315
∎ Hidden Lake SIA Trailhead
∎ Grasshopper Trailhead
∎ Grasshopper Lower Trailhead
∎ North Fork Segment #4 Trailhead
∎ Indian Ridge (Upper) Trailhead
∎ Indian Ridge Lookout Lookout/Cabin
∎ Indian Ridge (Lower) Trailhead
For a map of all the closure areas and a complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the orders, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices

10/01/2024

REDUCTION IN ORE FIRE CLOSURE: Due to successful firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions, the Willamette National Forest has reduced an emergency closure order for the Ore Fire, opening several recreation sites around Blue River Reservoir.
Many roads are now open, including Forest Service Road (FSR) 2820, 2026, 2022, 2032, 2044, 15, and 1509. All roads and trails that serve as the closure area boundary are open.
✅ Newly OPENED Campground
∎ Lookout Campground
✅ Newly OPENED Trailheads
∎ Twin Buttes Trailhead
∎ Goldhill Trailhead
∎ Buck Mountain (West) TH
∎ Buck Mountain (East) TH
✅ Newly OPENED Trails
∎ Twin Buttes Trail #3404
∎ Buck Mountain Trail #3304
∎ Tidbits West Trail #3398
∎ Gold Hill Trail #3370
⛔CLOSED Trail and Trailhead
∎ Tidbits South Trail #3328
∎ Tidbits Trailhead
Mona Campground and Saddle Dam Boat Launch are now out of the closure area but are closed for the season.
For a map of all the closure areas and a complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the orders, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

REDUCTION IN ORE FIRE CLOSURE: Due to successful firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions, the Willamette National Forest has reduced an emergency closure order for the Ore Fire, opening several recreation sites around Blue River Reservoir.

Many roads are now open, including Forest Service Road (FSR) 2820, 2026, 2022, 2032, 2044, 15, and 1509. All roads and trails that serve as the closure area boundary are open.

✅ Newly OPENED Campground
∎ Lookout Campground

✅ Newly OPENED Trailheads
∎ Twin Buttes Trailhead
∎ Goldhill Trailhead
∎ Buck Mountain (West) TH
∎ Buck Mountain (East) TH

✅ Newly OPENED Trails
∎ Twin Buttes Trail #3404
∎ Buck Mountain Trail #3304
∎ Tidbits West Trail #3398
∎ Gold Hill Trail #3370

⛔CLOSED Trail and Trailhead
∎ Tidbits South Trail #3328
∎ Tidbits Trailhead

Mona Campground and Saddle Dam Boat Launch are now out of the closure area but are closed for the season.

For a map of all the closure areas and a complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the orders, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

09/30/2024

A short video interview describing how aquatic resources are protected with the guidance of Resource Advisors during a wildfire suppression response. Video is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TkD6Lnp_fag

09/28/2024

Willamette Complex North Final Update
Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, and 374 Fires
Saturday, September 28, 2024

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

Email: [email protected]

Overview: Today is Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6’s final day on the Willamette Complex North. A Type 3 team is joining Team 6 today and both teams are working towards a smooth transition. The Type 3 team takes command of the Willamette Complex North today, Saturday at 6pm. Team 6 was honored to work on the Willamette Complex and is grateful for the support from the communities surrounding the fire areas.

Weather forecasts call for continued warm and dry weather through the weekend. Despite this, fire activity is expected to remain moderate to minimal with smoldering and creeping. An increase in smoke production is possible, particularly in areas on southern aspects and full sun exposure. Those fires that are not yet at full containment are expected to remain in the current footprints.

Boulder Creek: 523 acres, 51% contained
Located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Crews continue to locate and extinguish areas of heat and are felling fire-damaged trees along containment lines. Firefighters are engaged in mopping up and fire suppression repair work, identifying and removing excess equipment.

Ore: 3,479 acres, 100% contained
Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River. Firefighters saw a moderate increase in fire activity within the containment lines in the unburned area in the northwest corner of the fire. On the interior of the fire area, fire was observed slowing backing downhill, remaining within the fire footprint. Crews continue suppression repair work.

374: 62 acres, 0% contained and Linton Creek: 1,309 acres, 0% contained
Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness. These fires were monitored by air on Friday and minimal fire activity was observed. These fires have remained in their footprints adjacent to natural barriers and previous fire scars. Both fires will continue to be in a monitoring status, with no additional action needed at this time.

Pyramid: 100% contained
On Friday, September 27, 2024, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6 transitioned the Pyramid Fire to a Type 4 organization with the Willamette National Forest.

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: Forest officials are continually evaluating closure orders and will adjust as conditions allow. Fire-related closures remain in place on the McKenzie River Ranger District, as well as on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the immediate fire operations area for public and firefighter safety. Please respect and avoid all closed areas of the national forest.
Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd552029.

Road Closures: OR-242 remains closed to all traffic between the intersection with OR-126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75). For current road conditions, please check Oregon Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.tripcheck.com/.

09/27/2024

An Emergency Response Team of scientists and resource specialists began field surveys and assessments this week for burned areas of the Boulder, Chalk, Coffeepot, Ore, and Pyramid fires on the Willamette National Forest.

The BAER Team, comprised of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management employees who specialize in multiple resource areas, is conducting field studies using science-based models to rapidly assess watersheds on National Forest lands. The team will inventory critical values, assess risk, and determine the need for emergency measures and treatments on the Forest.

Team members will closely assess watersheds for post-fire, rain-related impacts, such as increased flooding, debris-flow potential, and increased soil erosion. The team then recommends time-critical treatments to be completed before the first damaging storm event. Those recommendations are submitted as a proposed stabilization plan for approval. Once approved, the Forest will receive funding to complete stabilization efforts within the fire area.

Read the full news release here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1206881

09/27/2024

Incident Commander Rich Cowger provides the final update for Northern Rockies Team 6 on the Willamette Complex North - September 27, 2024.
https://www.facebook.com//willamettenf
https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest

09/26/2024

Willamette Complex North Update
Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, 374 and Pyramid Fires

Fire Update for Thursday, September 26 through Friday, September 27, 2024
Fire updates will be provided for a two-day operational period.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-north-willamette-complex
Email: [email protected]
Information line: 541-208-1262
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Overview: The fire areas are experiencing cooler temperatures and an increase in humidity, forecasted for the next few days. Crews were limited in their work Wednesday as .10 to .75 inches of rain fell in the fire areas, bringing with it gusting winds with the potential to bring down fire-weakened trees. Thursday, firefighters are continuing suppression repair work. Fuel moistures will continue to limit fire activity. Little to no fire growth is anticipated within the North Complex over the next few days. Willamette National Forest has rescinded fire restrictions and campfires are once again allowed outside of developed campgrounds and restrictions on chainsaws, off-highway vehicles, and smoking have been lifted. It is still critical to completely extinguish campfires until they are cold to the touch, even with the reduced fire risk.

Boulder Creek: 523 acres, 51% contained
Located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Fire behavior was minimal yesterday, but firefighters are still locating and addressing hotspots. Mastication has been completed and firefighters will continue to mop up containment lines and fire suppression repair work. Crews are pulling hose and removing excess equipment.

Ore: 3,484 acres, 80% contained
Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River. Ore Fire received about ½” of rain yesterday. Crews are engaged in suppression repair work. Fire activity has remained low.

374: 62 acres, 0% contained and Linton Creek: 1,309 acres, 0% contained
Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness. These fires received rain yesterday and fire activity has remained minimal. Despite the warm weather on Tuesday, these fires have remained in their footprints adjacent to natural barriers and previous fire scars. Both fires will continue to be in a monitoring status, with no additional action needed at this time.

Pyramid: 1,312 Acres, 100% contained
East of Middle Santiam Wilderness. This fire received about ¾” of rain yesterday and remains fully contained with minimal fire behavior and scattered areas of heat in the interior of the fire area. Firefighters are continuing with suppression repairs. Tomorrow, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6 will be transitioning this fire back to Willamette National Forest and Type 4 organization.

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: Forest officials are continually evaluating closure orders and will adjust as conditions allow. Fire-related closures remain in place on the McKenzie River Ranger District, as well as on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the immediate fire operations area for public and firefighter safety. Please respect and avoid all closed areas of the national forest.
Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/fire/?cid=fseprd552029.

Road Closures: OR-242 remains closed to all traffic between the intersection with OR-126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75). For current road conditions, please check Oregon Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.tripcheck.com/.