Willamette Complex Fires - South (ORWIF)

Wildfire Status:

The Willamette Complex Fires - South, previously known as the Oakridge Lightning Fires, currently encompass multiple fires, including the Young Grasshopper, Chalk, Coffeepot, Moss Mountain, and 208 Fires, affecting areas 8 miles north and 8 to 22 miles south-southeast of Oakridge, Oregon. As of the latest reports, the total area burned is approximately 31,296 acres, with only the Chalk, Coffeepot, Tire Mountain, and McKinley Fires fully contained. The Young Grasshopper Fire is currently at 0% containment, while the Moss Mountain Fire is 10% contained, and the 208 Fire is at 4% containment. The fires ignited following a significant lightning storm on July 17, which produced over 1,100 strikes across the state, and they are primarily burning through heavy timber in the Willamette National Forest.

Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with a total of 178 personnel currently assigned to the incident. The incident commander is Type 3 Incident Commander Jerry McGowan. Fire agencies are focused on monitoring and patrolling contained areas, mopping up where necessary, and repairing secondary control lines. For the 208 Fire, efforts are being concentrated on securing lines near the Indigo Springs campground. Minimal fire behavior has been reported recently, with conditions being favorable for suppression efforts.

Weather conditions have been relatively dry but are expected to change as an active weather pattern approaches the region. High temperatures have been in the 60s to low 70s with relative humidity dropping to 40-50%. However, a cooling trend is anticipated, bringing increased humidity and breezier conditions, which should help lower fire activity. Rainfall is expected from frontal systems moving into the area from Tuesday evening through Thursday night, providing further support for firefighting efforts. After this period, drier conditions may return by the weekend, but additional weather systems are forecast for the following week.

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