8/25/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The Deception Complex encompasses approximately 92 fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest.  The Middle Fork Ranger District has had five lighting storms starting fires since early July with the most recent on August 10, 2014.  Of these 92 fires, 16 remain active and only the Staley Fire and three fires in the Deception Creek area increased in size.  The smoke from the Deception Fires can be seen from the communities of Oakridge, Westfir and State Highway 58.

As the fire behavior increased yesterday afternoon, helicopters dropped water to cool down hot spots on fire in the Deception Creek Drainage and on the Staley Fire.  A spot fire was located outside of the fire line yesterday on the Staley Fire but was quickly lined and contained.  Despite some growth in size on the Deception and Staley Fires, the other fires in the Complex stayed within the containment lines.

The weather forecast for the next few days is for warmer and drier conditions, and the fire behavior is expected to increase.  Fire activity in Deception Creek Drainage may accelerate plans to conduct burnout operations to contain the fire within contingency fire lines.

Closure Information (no changes):

There are three area, trail and road closures related to these fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District.  Check the following web site for details: http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.

Total acres          468  53% Contained        
20- person Crews             24          
Engines                                                30
Dozers                                  4
Helicopters                         4 heavy , 1 medium  3 light
Total Personnel                                968