8/29/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

Deception Complex Fire Information: 541-782-5359

Slightly cooler weather helped calm the Deception Fire on Thursday, and helicopters and crews were able to keep it from any significant spread toward the east. Groups of trees burst into flame at times during the late afternoon, but there were no sustained runs. The fire was most active on the west side of the Deception Creek drainage. As the fire moved up the hill toward the west, the wind coming from the west slowed its progress. Still, the fire is slowly approaching the Umpqua/Willamette National Forest divide, though its progress will be further impeded by water dropped from helicopters, and by increasingly cool temperatures, higher humidity, and greener fuel where patches of younger trees are growing.

Hand crews on Thursday were able to establish fire lines along the northeast corner of the fire, burn out fuels near the fire’s edge, lay fire hose, fill portable water tanks, and install pumps. Utilizing the pumps and fire hose, the night crews were able to cool down and secure the lines at the northern end of the fire, closest to the Deception Creek Mobile Home Park.

Most of the initial attack responsibilities to new fire starts have been returned the local ranger district. The Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 4 retains responsibilities within the five fire areas.

Smoke heavily impacted the Oakridge area on Thursday, with the air quality index reaching the “unhealthy” range for a short period of time. In response to the smoke and the subsequent health concerns, Lane County Emergency Management has made available the Willamette Activity Center in Oakridge to people for a respite from the smoke and heat. The air-conditioned Activity Center, 47674 School Street, will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, with future hours to be determined. Smoke levels are expected to be in the “moderate” range by Friday afternoon.

Drift smoke in the Oakridge area has caused a number of false reports of spot fires. Even seasoned firefighters have mistaken curls of drift smoke for spot fires to be extinguished.

The Deception Creek Mobile Home Park, the Middle Fork Ranger Station, and houses along La Duke Road remain on Level 2 Evacuation Notice.

A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is in effect for the Oakridge airport – it is closed to civilian aircraft due to high fire-related helicopter traffic.

Closure Information – Waldo Lake Wilderness now open:

The Willamette National Forest has lifted the closure within the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area. Other Willamette National Forest closures remain unchanged. The Umpqua National Forest has closed an area adjacent to the Deception Creek drainage. Check Inciweb for full closure information, including maps: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4093/.