8/2/2022 Willamette National Forest PM Fire Update

The Willamette National Forest has confirmed 14 new lightning caused fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District since thunderstorms passed through the area over the last several days. The Pacific Northwest Geographic Coordination Center reported over 3500 lightning strikes in the last 24 hrs. in Oregon. Numerous local resources, supported by the LaGrande Hotshots and smokejumpers, are responding to all new incidents as they are detected and the forest anticipates additional smoke reports throughout the week from holdover fires. 

The largest incident, the Potter Fire is now being managed by a Type 2 Incident Management Team (PNW Team 6) along with the Windigo Fire on the Umpqua National Forest.

The second largest incident, the Cedar Creek Fire is approximately one mile west of the Black Creek Trailhead on the 2421 road and is estimated to be five acres in size. Two Type 2IA crews are assigned to the incident and are receiving arial support from a Type 1 helicopter.  

Of the remaining fires, five incidents are 1/10 of an acre or less and seven range from ¼ acre to an acre and a half. Two fires have been fully contained and one has been called out. 

The picture below was taken in dispatch and displays the incidents and resources responding today. The small red dots are confirmed fires that have been sized up and the yellow dots are smoke reports that have not been checked yet. The one green dot near the bottom is a fire that has been called contained or controlled or is in patrol status. The blue labels display what engine or crew is where.