Friday, following Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s emergency conflagration declaration, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) began moving task forces to support local fire agencies to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. The fire is estimated at 51,814 acres with 12% containment. Level 3 evacuations remain for the greater Oakridge, Westfir, and High Prairie areas.
Saturday’s fire activity is expected to be extreme, with long-range spotting and crown runs. East winds, low humidity, and high temperatures will continue today and start to ease Sunday. Where winds align with terrain, tree canopy fire, and fire spotting are anticipated. A large smoke column is expected to develop by mid-morning.
The fire has not crossed west of Highway 19. Firefighters will work through the day to hold and improve the east side. Spot fires crossed south of Highway 58 at Kitson Ridge. Firefighters are working to keep the fire north of Forest Road 1928.
East of Waldo Lake, the Alaska Incident Management Team established two branches and six divisions to work in the Deschutes National Forest side of the Cedar Creek Fire. Direct attack water drops with helicopters occur on the southeast edge where possible. Crews are preparing Road 4290 from Charlton Lakes to the Cascade Lakes Highway to control the spread of the fire to the southeast.
To prevent fire spread to the east, efforts are focused on shaded fuel breaks 100-200 feet in depth on both sides of the Cascade Lakes Highway. Crews are working in the Brown Mountain area south of Crane Prairie Lake and working north. From the north, crews are working from the 2017 Nash Fire burned area near Elk Lake and improving fuel breaks on both sides of the Cascade Lakes Highway working south. Additional contingencies are being scouted for east of the Cascade Lakes Highway.
A red flag warning is in effect today because of hot, dry, and windy conditions. East winds will continue today and move to westerly winds tomorrow. The valley will become windy this afternoon. Low humidity levels overnight will allow for an extended burn window.
Restrictions: The Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest implemented closures for the Cedar Creek Fire. Please visit Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest for detailed closure orders and a joint map. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. The use of drones is prohibited in the fire area. Please make it safe for our firefighters to use aircraft on the fire. Pacific Crest Trail hikers should visit pcta.org for current information.
Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook.
Evacuations: Sign up for emergency mobile alerts at oralert.gov. For updates and changes:
Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911
Map: https://bit.ly/3D51kvC
Cedar Creek Fire Evacuation Map: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/8307/0/136376
Fire Information: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Phone: 541-201-2335 | Email: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov
Helpful Links:
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8307/
Cedar Creek Facebook: www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/
Cedar Creek YouTube: www.tinyurl.com/cedarcreekfireyoutube