Willamette Complex South UpdateChalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208 Fire, and 217 Fire
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 767
Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 12,737
Resources: 27 Type 2 Crews, 12 Bulldozers, 17 Water Tenders, and 10 Masticators
Fire Cause: Lightning
Community Meeting
There will be a community meeting for the Willamette Complex Fires South on Friday, August 16, at 6:30 pm at the Banner Bank Amphitheater in Greenwaters Park in Oakridge, Oregon. A recording of the in-person meeting will be posted to Facebook and YouTube.
Chalk Fire (5,512 acres, 54% containment)
Significant progress has been made securing the east side of the Chalk Fire, crews are patrolling and mopping up that edge. More work remains on the western side of the fire where there are large, unburned islands adjacent to control lines that have the potential to spot across the line. Weakened trees and snags are being removed as crews improve access roads.
Coffeepot Fire (6,120 acres, 35% containment)
The Coffeepot Fire crews are mopping up secured line on the west side of the fire. But much like the Chalk Fire, unburned islands of forest on the eastern side of the fire are the primary concern for crews improving the control line there.
Moss Mountain Fire (790 acres, 0% containment)
Forest Road 2120 is the best holding option for the southern edge of the Moss Mountain Fire. Air support will assist crews in this steep terrain with heavy timber.
208 Fire (230 acres, 0% containment)
The 208 Fire remains unstaffed but is patrolled and monitored with air resources. Strategic options continue to be assessed.
217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire
The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires are 100% contained and crews are monitoring status daily.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Winds remain out of the west-northwest. Higher relative humidity will increase moisture in fine fuels, limiting additional fire spread, with the exception of heavy fuels, which will continue to hold heat. Fire behavior is primarily backing and creeping with isolated torching.
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.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
