9/12/2021 Rough Patch Complex and Jack Fire Update

Incident Summary:  Expected upcoming weather will rotate from hot and dry to cool with increased humidity throughout the week. This constant shift in weather will affect regions of the fire differently. It is anticipated that ridgelines will have lower humidity and may see increased weather activity while the slopes and canyons retain higher humidity levels and diminished fire activity. Firefighters continuously monitor fire behavior and assess actions as the day progresses. Objectives include keeping the fires as small as possible working toward full containment while preventing loss of valuable resources through full suppression.

With highly variable humidity, the fire continued creeping and smoldering, creating smoke in the valleys. Post rain with gusty winds up to 12 miles per hour, green trees are falling due to weakened root structures from fire damage and soil becoming saturated. Firefighters are utilizing logging roads as containment lines and are continuing to conduct brushing operations – using masticators to remove vegetation along the roadways to strengthen containment lines.

Chaos and Little Bend Fires:  The Chaos Fire is 24,462 acres and the Little Bend Creek Fire is 8,569 acres. On the north end of the Chaos Fire, firefighters were able to directly apply containment line to the spot fire that crossed the 2460 road. With the use of hose lay, roadbeds and rock features, this spot fire is holding at  three acres in size. Work is ongoing to strengthen those containment lines. Fire crews were able to utilize air resources and bucket drops to cool the fire on the southeast end of Little Bend. Crews are assessing the terrain to insert additional containment lines using old logging roads which would tighten up that edge of the fire.  Around 200 firefighters will move to the northeast of the Chaos Fire into an existing spike camp, sharing resources with the Middle Fork Complex.

Jack and Buckhead Fires:  The Jack Fire is 23,990 acres and the Buckhead Fire is 6,535 acres. The Jack Fire has remained consistent in size with the west, north, and northeast perimeter contained. Firefighters are continuing to work on the southeastern portion of Buckhead to create containment with natural features and roadbeds. Crews are also beginning to scout for repair work and plan for that work to begin.

Near Minky Fire:  The Near Minky Fire is at 4,867 acres. This stable, southern-most fire is being utilized to assist with the Smith Fire as it continues to move closer to its perimeter. The Rocky Mountain team managing the Devil’s Knob Complex has assumed operations around the western portion of the Near Minky Fire. This is being done to enhance their abilities to manage the Smith Fire safely and effectively.

Closures:  Copies of all closures and maps can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7758/.

• Amended BLM Roseburg District fire closure: BLM road 24-1-26 (Francis Creek) from the junction with BLM road 25-1E-31 (Canton Creek Road) North to the Roseburg District Boundary in Township 24 South Range 1 West Section 1 will remain closed.

• The Umpqua and Willamette National Forests have temporarily closed areas of both forests due to the Jack Fire, Rough Patch Complex Fire, and Devil's Knob Complex Fire.

• Highway 138 between Roseburg and Diamond remains open. Expect short delays for hazard tree removal operations east of Glide. Slow down and be alert.