Willamette Fire Update – Wednesday, August 30, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. Fire Information Line: 541-719-8371 or Email: [email protected]

Firefighters respond to new Potato Hill Fire detected West of Hoodoo Ski Area Weather, Fire Behavior, and Air Quality Increasing winds may clear smoke today, exposing fires to more sunlight, which may increase the potential for growth of higher elevation fires. West winds are expected to gust between 15 mph and 25 mph. Increased westerly winds will lower temperatures slightly and raise humidity. Air quality in the Detroit, Breitenbush, and McKenzie Bridge communities will be unhealthy today, with other nearby areas moderately affected due to fire activity in the Willamette area and drift smoke from other Oregon fires. DETROIT RANGER DISTRICT FIRES The Potato Hill Fire was reported yesterday afternoon, August 29. It is burning west of FSR 2690 and south of Highway 20 in brush and timber. Firefighters on the ground, supported by helicopters dropping water took direct and indirect suppression actions during initial attack. Firefighters continue to evaluate potential values at risk and suppression efforts. Firefighters made significant progress yesterday on the west flank the Scorpion Fire and will continue to employ direct tactics on the east side of the fire today. Minimal growth was observed yesterday for the Whitewater and Little Devil Fires. Crews will continue to monitor and strengthen existing control lines, and assess opportunities for tactical firing operations. MCKENZIE RIVER RANGER DISTRICT FIRES The Horse Creek Complex includes the Avenue Fire, burning three miles southeast of McKenzie Bridge, and nearby wilderness fires Olallie Lookout, Separation, Roney, and Nash. The Nash and Separation Fires grew significantly to the east yesterday. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has placed the areas surrounding Elk Lake and Hosmer Lake including: Elk Lake Resort, Elk Lake, Point, Little Fawn, Mallard Marsh campgrounds, Sunset View and Beach day use areas, and Quinn Meadows Horse Camp in Level One evacuation status (be ready). If conditions are favorable, aerial operations will be used to slow fire progress. The Rebel Fire is burning in heavy timber and steep terrain along the South Fork of the McKenzie River. Fire resources will continue burnout operations along FSR 19 (Aufderheide Drive) and south of Road 22 as needed and hold the line while planning for structure protection. The Pete Fire will be monitored by air while ground crews continue to patrol the Box Canyon Fire. Closures Several fire related closures remain in place for roads, trails (including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail), and areas of the Willamette National Forest. Visit the Willamette National Forest website or call (541) 225-6350 to learn more and “know before you go.”

Quick Facts Incident Summary

Approximate Acreage

Reported Date (Cause) Incident Commander

Resources on the Fires

Total Personnel

Jurisdiction

Whitewater: 10,278 ac Little Devil: 485 ac. Scorpion: 14 ac. Potato Hill: 50 ac. Horse Ck. Complex: 3,168 ac. Rebel: 4,918 ac. Whitewater: July 23 (lightning) Avenue: Aug. 11 (lightning) Rebel: Aug. 4 (unknown) Scorpion: Aug. 28 (unknown) Potato Hill: Aug. 29 (unknown) Bea Day, Southwest Type 1 Incident Management Team 1 Whitewater: 24 Crews, 5 Helicopters, 26 Engines, 1 Water Tender, 3 Masticators Horse Ck. Complex: 3 Crews, 3 Engines, 2 Dozers, 2 Water Tenders, 2 Masticators Rebel: 2 Crews, 3 Engines, 1 Dozer, 1 Masticator Whitewater/ Little Devil/ Scorpion: 827 Horse Ck. Complex: 99 Rebel: 52 Willamette National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry

Online Links InciWeb (Fire Information, Maps, Photos) inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860/ Forest Closures go.usa.gov/xRnz7 or call 541-225-6350 Highway Closures tripcheck.com or call 511 Facebook facebook.com/WillametteWildfires2017 Interactive Map arcg.is/1nSPWa Oregon Smoke Information oregonsmoke.blogspot.com