Bedrock Fire is causing concerns

Fire investigators with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service are seeking the public’s assistance with any tips or information pertinent to the start of the Bedrock Fire. Reported on July 22nd, the wildfire is located in the Willamette National Forest’s Middle Fork Ranger District, approximately 36 miles east of Springfield.

The fire started near the Bedrock Campground, off of Forest Road 18 in the Fall Creek area, This week over 720 emergency responders have supported suppression efforts on the fire, along with nine aircraft.

Officials report 3% of the fire perimeter has been designated as “contained,” which designates a section of the line when there is little to no probability of re-ignition. The contained section is located south of Big Fall Creek Road on the west edge of the fire zone.

Details of the abatement actions taken include a combination of mechanical methods like masticators and work by crews with chainsaws and hand tools cutting vegetation. That process prepares an area for burning off residual fuels along the line to consume them. “This prevents the fire from burning intensely along the line, reducing the chance of fire crossing the containment line,” according to a fire official. “Firefighters then extinguish all heat near the fire line to complete the work needed to achieve containment.”

Temperatures have been averaging in the 80-degree range and minimum relative humidity is expected to be in the upper 30 percent range. Slightly warmer weather is expected later this week. Although cloud cover is forecast to increase, any rain remains unlikely.

Smoke from the Bedrock Fire will continue to spread into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” conditions. Smoke from the Flat Fire and other fires is also impacting many areas.

The Forest Service asks that the public recall any information, photography, or videos they may have from their visit to the area where the fire began on July 22. Any information can assist investigators in determining the cause of the fire.

Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to [email protected].