Willamette Complex South Update for Monday, August 26, 2024

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 613

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,064

Resources*: 1 Type 1 Hotshot Crew, 8 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 1 Helicopter, 21 Engines, 5 Dozers, 9 Masticators, 4 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers (* The numbers include Pyramid Fire resources)

Fire Cause: Lightning

Lingering pockets of heat and smoke became more visible yesterday as conditions cleared. A helicopter provided water bucket drops along the south side of the Moss Mountain Fire yesterday to cool down hotspots that help hold the fire in place. Two helicopters will be available to the Willamette Complex South fires today. Firefighters will also be working with the un-crewed aircraft system (UAS)/drone to collect infrared information to detect heat throughout the footprint of the Moss Mountain Fire. A temporary flight restriction exists over the Willamette Complex South fires, including all personal drones. When you fly, we can’t!

Fire crews continued to monitor and improve containment lines on the south, east, and north portions of the fire. They also continue to improve and deepen completed direct lines on the western fire edge along Road 1912. Finally, firefighters continue to prep indirect lines and address fire-weakened trees and snags.

Firefighters are securing spots south of Forest Service Road 2120, focusing on indirect tactics that involve heavy equipment to remove vegetation, woody debris and brush along the mountain road system. This work results in an effective fuel break. Crews continue to prep dozer lines along the north side of the fire.

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.

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.

Today, skies will clear with full sunshine by afternoon. High temperatures in the lower 60s, relative humidity near 60% and light winds are expected. Increasing warmer and drier conditions will persist throughout the week ahead. Recent precipitation with minimum relative humidity above 90% has limited fire activity to concentrations of large woody fuel.