Willamette Complex South UpdateChalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires
Monday, August 12, 2024
Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 980
Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 12,323
Resources: 2 Skid Steers, 8 Type 4 Engines, 30 Type 2 Crews
Fire Cause: Lightning
Summary
Fires continued to burn with moderate intensity on Sunday. Fire managers are using infrared technology to monitor for any changes in heat. Over the weekend, firefighters from Australia and New Zealand were assigned to support the Willamette Complex South fires, filling specialized positions as U.S. resources are limited due to numerous large fires burning simultaneously across the West. Mutual wildland fire assistance between the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand goes back more than two decades.
Chalk Fire (5,296 acres, 54% containment)
Fireline along the northwestern edge of the Chalk Fire was widened Sunday as a result of successful aerial firing operations within the large green island. Crews continue to remove snags to strengthen containment lines and extinguish heat in areas where it is safe to work.
Coffeepot Fire (6,036 acres, 35% containment)
Heavy fuels continue to produce significant heat on the Coffeepot Fire. Crews are removing brush and trees to further secure control lines.
Moss Mountain Fire (714 acres, 0% containment)
Crews worked Sunday to contain the spot south of Forest Road 2120 with the assistance of helicopter bucket drops. Fire managers are working with local partners to assess options for containment in challenging terrain.
208 Fire (192 acres, 0% containment)
Burning in a high-elevation area with limited fuels, the 208 Fire is not currently threatening any values, but does have potential to spread under the right conditions. As a result, fire managers are continuing to monitor heat and fire activity here.
217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire
The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires are 100% contained and crews continue to monitor for activity.
Weather and Fire Behavior
On Monday, a noticeable change in weather is predicted, with higher humidity and maximum temperatures in the low- to mid-70s. Smoke from fires within and surrounding the Willamette Complex will likely continue to linger in the area. Heavy fuels will continue to burn despite the higher humidity predicted.
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.
Public Information
Willamette Complex – South
Alaska Complex Incident Management Team
Public Information Line: 541-208-1742, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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