Firefighters continue to make progress on the Cedar Creek Fire near Oakridge. As of Monday morning, the fire stands at 86,734 acres and was 0% contained. 1,228 people are helping fight the fire, which includes 75 engines, 22 crews, 68 heavy equipment, and eight helicopters.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office lowered some evacuation levels yesterday because of changing conditions and progress on the fire. Evacuation levels in the communities of Westfir and portions of Oakridge were lowered from Level 3 (Go Now) to Level 2 (Set). High Prairie and the areas north, east, and southwest of Oakridge remain in Level 3 evacuation status. Fire officials continue to work with local law enforcement to communicate fire conditions and keep the community safe. People who remain in shelters will continue to receive services provided by the Red Cross. People who have mobility limitations or are sensitive to smoke are encouraged not to return to Level 2 areas.
As the wind died down, heavy smoke is blanketing the Cedar Creek Fire area. Oakridge is experiencing dense smoke, and the wind switching to the northwest. The smoke created unhealthy air quality for communities east of the fire including Bend. To protect yourself from smoke, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and limit your time outdoors.
A virtual community meeting will be hosted by west zone’s Northwest Team 6 held tonight at 7 p.m. Join us on Facebook to learn more and ask questions.
Status: Cooler weather aided firefighters’ progress on the west side of the Cedar Creek Fire. Structural task forces accessed and prepped homes along the western side of the fire, then assisted with burn operations as winds became favorable. On the western flank, crews continued to mop up the burnout near Eagle Butte, northeast of Oakridge. North of the Waldo Lake Wilderness, on Forest Road 19, crews worked to prep the Box Canyon area. Southwest of Waldo Lake, firefighters were able to hold Forest Road 5883 north of Highway 58, and the Rogue River hotshot crew was able to improve handline to tie into Forest Road 5897. A backing fire is slowing advancement on the southwestern edge. Firefighters continue to hold and improve all lines. Today, a structural group will head to the southern portion of the fire to assist with back burns along Highway 58 and evaluate structures near Odell Lake. While crews remain focused on protecting the communities of High Prairie, Westfir, and Oakridge, fire officials recognize the relative proximity of the fire to other surrounding communities and want to be prepared to support and protect those areas.
In the east zone, efforts continue to brush the west side of Cascade Lakes Highway to improve a fuel break and prepare for possible burn-out operations. Cascade Lakes Highway remains closed to ensure public safety and the safety of firefighters. Infrastructure protection continues around Cultus Lake. In the southeast region near Odell Lake, a new branch and two divisions were added with crews deployed to brush around Highway 58. Highway 58 is closed from milepost 36 to 62. A new camp is being established near Cascade Junction to put crews closer to the southeast side of the fire. Expect to see more traffic and firefighting activity in the area.
Weather/Fire Behavior: Winds are light and steady out of the west-northwest. Dry conditions were aided by good overnight relative humidity recovery and scattered light rainfall. Temperatures will be more seasonal, in the upper 60s. Some torching and spotting fire behavior is expected over the next day or so, but most activity will be creeping and smoldering.
Evacuations: Sign up for emergency mobile alerts at oralert.gov. Please check with Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911 for updates and changes. For a map, visit https://bit.ly/3D51kvC.
Closures: Check with Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest about 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.
Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest.
Smoke: For current conditions, see Fire.airnow.gov, oakridgeair.org, and LRAPA – Today’s Current Air Quality. Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook.
Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8307/ | facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/
YouTube: www.tinyurl.com/cedarcreekfireyoutube
Fire Information: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Phone: 541-201-2335 | Media Line: 541-327-9925
Email: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov
