Single Publication

Willamette Complex South Update

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Friday, August 23, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 546

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,082

Resources: 2 Type 2 Hotshot Crews, 19 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 31 Engines, 9 Dozers, 7 Masticators, 3 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Firefighting crews are monitoring the weather conditions for potential safety hazards – rolling logs and falling limbs – resulting from the precipitation that fell overnight. As conditions are determined safe, firefighters will continue to focus on mop-up efforts. The management of the Willamette Complex South transitioned from the Alaska Incident Management Team to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team at 7:00 a.m. this morning.  

Chalk Fire (5,684 acres, 66% containment) 

On the eastern portion of the Chalk Fire, crews are continuing to remove hose lay from sufficiently secure lines. Along the western portion of the fire, hazard trees remain a risk to firefighters and efforts to remove the hazard by felling crews continues. The west side of the fireline is the priority for ongoing work, and UAS operations will continue to be an option to locate areas of concern as weather conditions permit. 

Coffeepot Fire (6,197 acres, 100% containment) 

On the Coffeepot Fire, firefighters have achieved 100% containment line around the fire. They will continue to observe the perimeter of the fire for any lingering spots of heat within the interior of the fire. Efforts are underway to remove pumps and hose lay used during the suppression efforts. 

Moss Mountain Fire (864 acres, 0% containment) 

The 2120 road remains a high priority for halting the southern growth of the Moss Mountain Fire. Heavy timber, steep terrain, and rollout downhill remain a challenge to holding efforts. Two hotshot crews and a Type 1 helicopter support the ongoing operation. Specialized heavy machinery has been used to create shaded fuel breaks.  Feller bunchers, masticators and chippers are used to clear woody undergrowth that prevent fire from spreading beyond the containment line.  

208 Fire (249 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire is being monitored and patrolled using aerial resources due to minimal activity on the perimeter. When necessary, helicopters use bucket drops to keep fire in check.

217 Fire (38 acres 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres 100% contained)

With 100% containment on the 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires, all are being patrolled regularly. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

A low-pressure system produced up to three quarters of an inch of rain over the complex last night. A low chance of thunderstorms exists this afternoon into the early evening. Minimal fire behavior is predicted. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions 

• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.