9/22/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The Southern Cascades Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on September 22, from the Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 4. They would like to thank Team 4 for the great work they accomplished on the fire. The new management team will continue meeting containment objectives under the direction of John Poet as Incident Commander. The fire complex now includes the Staley, Davey, Pool, Spirit and Edith fires. The intensity of the burning within fire containment lines increased Sunday and Monday due to warmer temperatures and decreased humidity, but fire spread is still limited to within fireline perimeter.

All Divisions will continue mopping up hot spots along fire perimeter and suppression repair of roads and fire lines. Helicopter and fire personnel assigned to Deception Complex assisted the local district on initial attack of several new lightning fires which started on the forest late Sunday.

Warm and dry conditions continued Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures around 80. A large storm system will slowly enter the area starting Tuesday night. Cooler temperatures and a chance of up to 0.5" of rain is forecast through Wednesday and into Thursday. Smoke over the communities of Westfir and Oakridge may be noticeable today and tonight. Westerly winds are predicted to transport smoke away from the communities later in the day after the inversion layer has lifted. For additional air quality information see: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or lrapa.org

Deception Creek: 6,033 acres

Deception Creek – 95%  contained

Total Personnel: 214       3 crews, 3 helicopters, 6 engines, 3 water tenders

Deception Complex fires were started by lightning on August 11, 2014.

Lane County, Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Oakridge Fire Department, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Bureau of Reclamation

Residents and visitors will still experience fire traffic.  Stay safe by driving with lights on and using caution in and around Oakridge. Public use restrictions, area, road and trail closures can be viewed at: Willamette National Forest fs.usda.gov/willamette  or Umpqua National Forest fs.usda.gov/umpqua