Due to the complexity of the steep, difficult terrain surrounding the fires north of Westfir, the South Cascades Interagency Fire Team has taken over command for the incidents. The Buckhead fire has increased in size to 15 acres and has caused the closure of the Alpine Trail, #3450 and Forest Service Road 5828 and associated spur roads. No other closures are in effect on the Willamette National Forest.
The team is also responsible for the Evangeline fire, which is 25 acres in size and located nine miles to the northwest of Oakridge, and several other small fires in the area.
“Fire crews are using multiple tactics to fight the fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District,” said Incident Commander John Poet. “These include direct attack, indirect attack, water drops and burn out operations. Tactics are chosen based on factors such as terrain, fire behavior and weather, with first priority to fire fighter and public safety.”
More fire crews and resources are arriving to assist with the operations. Currently there are four crews, six engines, two helicopters assigned to the complex.
Residents in the Westfir area are likely to smell smoke in the evenings, as wind shifts push smoke down the drainages. The smoke should dissipate in the morning when the wind shifts back up the drainages.
Other fires on the Willamette National Forest include:
- Two small fires in the Three Sisters Wilderness
- Two small fires in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness
- Numerous small fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District
For more information on current conditions on the forest, contact us at 541.225.6300. You can also visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/willamette and click on the current conditions link or follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/
Source: Willamette National Forest