8/30/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The Deception Complex consists of many fires ignited by lightning since mid-July. The largest fire within the complex is the Deception Creek Fire, which has grown to 1916 acres. The sum of the sizes of all the fires within the complex is 2196 acres. A number of fires which were previously included within the complex have now been turned back to the Middle Fork District for patrol and rehabilitation, and are no longer included in the acreage calculation. 

The Deception Creek Fire was buffeted by winds of up to 19 miles per hour from westerly directions on Friday afternoon. The wind caused the fire to burn more actively near the ridge tops, but the lines held and the fire did not advance to the east. Overall growth of the Deception Creek Fire was 149 acres, mostly to the southwest. Firefighters were able to accomplish some mop-up along the hand lines at the northern end of the fire. 

Similar weather conditions are expected on Saturday, with temperatures reaching the lower 70’s. Some showers, however, are in the forecast, possibly arriving as early as 1:00 p.m. No more than a few hundredths of an inch are expected, but the intermittent showers may last through the night. This precipitation is expected to put a damper on fire activity, such as fire spreading through grass or brush, but the rain is not expected to penetrate the forest canopy, so most burning fuels will retain their heat.

Oakridge air quality again reached the “unhealthy” level for a short period of time on Friday, but was quickly cleaned out by the early afternoon wind. Continued smoky conditions can be expected, though forecasters are predicting that it will be at the “moderate” level on Saturday. The air-conditioned, smoke-free room at the Willamette Activity Center will open this weekend if requested by any individuals via the fire department, according to Mayor Jerry Shorey.

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

Closure Information:

The Oakridge Airport is closed to civilian air traffic because it is being used as a helibase for the fire.

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/.

Total Acres 2196
Contained 55%
20-person Crew 19
Engines 40
Dozers 4
Helicopters 6 heavy, 2 medium 3 light
Total Personnel 922

Fire Information: 541-782-5359