Two new fires on McKenzie District

Willamette NF Fires, Monday July 14 Evening Update; including trail and area closures

 Firefighters continue to respond to reports of over 65 lightning-sparked fires from storms that crossed over the Cascades Sunday. Most of the fires are small, ranging from a single burning tree to less than ¼ acre in size. Six new fires were found this afternoon.

The largest fire on the forest, the Bingham Complex, is located on the Detroit Ranger District. The complex consists of two larger fires and numerous small ones, all of which are located within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. As of 1700, the Bingham fires’ total acreage is 265. Fire managers have closed a portion of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness, as well as several trails in order to protect firefighter and public safety. Trails Pamelia (3439), Hunts Creek (3440), Hunts Cove (3430(3430), old Hunts Cove (3451), Grizzly Peak (3428), Bingham (3421), (portions of) Lake of the Woods (3493), Minto Mountain (3448) and Newport Drive (3438) are all closed. The Pacific Crest Trail (2000) and portions of the Swallow Lake Trail (3488) remain open. You can check the current status of the Bingham complex, including trail and area closures on inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3949/ .

Two new fires were detected this afternoon were on the McKenzie River Ranger District. “We are feeling pretty good” stated Randy Harbick, McKenzie River Fire Management Officer, “We are prioritizing our actions, working safely and deliberately and are ready for the days ahead,” he added.

Visitors are encouraged to use caution in areas where firefighters are actively working. There are no public use restrictions in place at this time, but visitors should pay attention to fire danger levels and, as always, be careful with campfires.

Morning of 7/14: Firefighters are responding to reports of over 65 lightning-sparked fires from storms that crossed over the Cascade Range yesterday. Most of the fires are small, ranging from a single burning tree to less than  acre in size.

Approximately 35 smokes were reported at various locations throughout the Detroit Ranger District, with 8 of those in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The largest fire is located in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness on Bingham Ridge, about 5 miles east of Marion Forks. The fire is approximately 75 acres, and is burning in insect-killed trees in a steep, forested area. A second wilderness fire is 25 acres and is burning near Lizard Ridge. Smokejumpers and hotshot crews are working to contain these fires. An Interagency Incident Management Team will assume command of the fires at noon today.

Detroit-area firefighters are also working on a small fire located 2 miles southeast of Marion Forks near the boundary of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, as well as 4 small fires located within a few miles of the Breitenbush area. Visitors in these areas may see or smell smoke.

Firefighters are also responding to approximately 30 smoke reports spread across the southern portion of the Forest. From those 30 reports, firefighters have confirmed more than 10 fires; all are single trees or less than  acre in size.

“Quick detection and response are essential to help keep these fires small, especially given the hot and dry weather forecasted for the week ahead,” said Fire Staff Officer Sean Stafford. “This kicks off our fire season, and we’re ready.”

Visitors are encouraged to use caution in areas where firefighters are actively working. There are no closures or public use restrictions in place at this time, but visitors should pay attention to fire danger levels and, as always, be careful with campfires.

For additional information, contact your nearest Ranger District Office.

Image above: Photo Courtesy USFS. Fires on Lizard and Bingham Ridges on the morning of July 14th, with the fog in the valley and active fires on the ridges.

McKenzie River Reflections