The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces were joined by one California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) strike team on Tuesday, bringing the total number of structural task forces operating on the fire to eight. Task forces continued surface preparation, structure triage, and conducted overnight patrols along Forest Service Road 700 to monitor the fire. Crews also completed preparations on the HJ Andrews Forest Compound, including sprinkler installations and vegetation clearing.
The Lookout Fire has moved north toward Lookout Creek but has not crossed it. Strategic firing operations on Forest Service Road 700 were successful and the fire is still north of the road. Heavy smoke moderated temperatures and fire activity yesterday. Smoky conditions are expected today with the possibility of lifting with west winds. If the smoke clears, fire activity has the potential to increase.
QUICK FACTS
Size: 3,710
Start date: August 5, 2023
Point of origin: 3 miles North of McKenzie Bridge, OR
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 584
Resources: 47 engines l 9 crews l 9 bulldozers l 18 water tenders l 4 masticators l 4 helicopters
OSFM resources: 8 task forces
WEDNESDAY’S ACTIVITIES: Crews will be working to connect primary control lines in the west using heavy machinery to improve roads and digging hand lines. Firefighters will be securing FS Road 700 by extinguishing hot spots where back-burning operations happened. Crews have been preparing control lines in the north and are almost complete with this work. To the east, crews are prepared for west winds and ready to engage the fire if the smoke clears, increasing activity. In the southeast, firefighters are strategizing places to use back-burning to slow fire growth and secure the southern containment lines.
The OSFM crews will continue preparations on buildings and other structures, including the Belknap Bridge. The task forces will continue to support wildland resources as needed.
COMMUNITY MEETING: Thursday, August 17, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in person at McKenzie High School, 51187 Blue River Dr, Vida, OR 97488, and virtually on Facebook.
EVACUATION CENTERS: There is an evacuation center for people and small pets at Lowell High School for evacuees from the Bedrock and Lookout Fires. A large animal shelter is being set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.
EVACUATIONS: There is a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for:
• Taylor Road
• North Bank Road
• All areas north of Highway 126 between Blue River Reservoir Road and Drury Lane
• Mona Campground
• Lookout Campground
• HJ Andrews Experimental Forest headquarters
There is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for:
• Areas south of Highway 126 from Blue River Reservoir Road east to Foley Ridge Road
• McKenzie River Drive
For current information, please see Lane County’s website.
WEATHER: Smoke has the possibility of lifting today with west winds of 5-10 mph. A possibility of thunderstorms.
CLOSURES: Highway 126 is currently open; please monitor Trip Check for updates. Willamette National Forest closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/…
RESTRICTIONS: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette
SMOKE OUTLOOK: August 16-17 – Heavy smoke has drifted into Central Oregon overnight. HAZARDOUS air quality is being seen in Sisters and VERY UNHEALTHY to UNHEALTHY levels in the Redmond and Bend areas. McKenzie and areas closer to the fire will continue to see high smoke impacts in the UNHEALTHY to HAZARDOUS ranges. The Willamette Valley is seeing improving conditions with only light smoke impacts expected. A slight chance for thunderstorm activity may create short-term significant changes in smoke impacts. Read more here: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a.