9/23/2014 Deception Complex Fire Update

The fire complex includes the Deception Creek, Staley, Davey, Pool, Spirit and Edith fires. Mule Creek, a new lightning fire, was added to the complex today.

The intensity of burning within fire containment lines moderated late Monday and overnight due to slightly cooler temperatures and increased humidity. Fire spread is still limited to creeping and smoldering within fire containment lines.

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 continue to assist the local district on initial attack of several lightning fires which started late Sunday across the forest.

Fire activity should decrease today with slightly cooler temperatures and increasing humidity. A large storm system will slowly enter the area starting late Tuesday. Cooler temperatures, high winds and a chance of up to 0.5" of rain is forecast through Wednesday and into Friday.

Smoke in the communities of Westfir and Oakridge is expected to be light today and tonight due to increasing southwest winds pushing smoke to the northeast, disrupting the pattern of an inversion layer capping smoke in the valleys, which has occurred the past few days. For additional air quality information see: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or lrapa.org

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

SUMMARY:
Deception Creek Fire: 6,033 acres
Deception Creek Fire 95% contained
Total Personnel: 214 3 crews, 3 helicopters, 6 engines, 3 water tenders
Deception Complex fires were started by multiple lightning storms, beginning on August 11, 2014.