8/17/2021 Fox Complex Fire Update

Fox Complex Fire Update - Tuesday, August 17th, 2021

Lakeview, OR – Favorable conditions overnight allowed crews to strengthen contingency lines around the perimeter of the Patton Meadow Fire in anticipation of today’s Red Flag Warning.

Efforts were focused on controlling the fire on the west and south fronts to prevent further spread, with Patton Meadow Road providing a perimeter on the west side and Highway 140 to the south. Control lines along Highway 140 are plumbed and crews have begun mopping up on the section of the fire south of Highway 140. Along Patton Meadow Road, hose lays are increasing. With winds calmer than expected overnight, crews were also able to direct resources to clearing brush and continuing to strengthen control lines on the east side of the fire in preparation for today’s forecasted winds.

Today’s forecasted Red Flag Warning from 2pm to 10pm will bring a dry cold front through the region with winds from the north and northwest at 15mph and gusts up to 35mph. The conditions will complicate firefighting efforts and have potential to push the fire to the south and east. Additional resources are being added to the firefighting effort and crews will be focusing on fortifying control and contingency lines in anticipation of the winds increasing in the early afternoon.

In anticipation of today’s weather event, two additional OSFM task forces are arriving to assist with structure protection. One task force will be arriving from Yamhill County and a Clackamas County task force will be coming in from the Middle Fork Complex. OSFM task forces are assessing homes and working with wildland crews to fortify containment lines along the south, east, and west sides of the fire.

The overnight infrared flight showed Patton Meadow at 6,405 and Willow Valley at 824 acres. The fires are 23 percent and 57 percent contained respectively.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office evacuation details can be found by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Oregon-104435824529906.