8/3/2022 Willamette National Forest PM Update

There were three “new” fires on the Willamette National Forest today, two holdover fires in the Sister’s Wilderness area that popped up and surfaced due to the lightning storms in recent days. One fire was too windy for smokejumpers but will be reassessed at 7:00 tonight.  The other was a smoke report that jumpers attempted to find, but were unable to locate. The third fire, the Shelter Fire, located about 4 miles northwest of the Potter Fire, is 75% lined and was staffed by hand crews from the Type 2 team that is managing the Potter Fire and falls within their initial attack area of responsibility. Retardant was used on this fire today

The two fires of significance remain: the Cedar Creek Fire and the Potter Fire. 

The Potter Fire has not grown much and overall firefighters are making good progress. Crews are scouting for places to construct line to keep the fire as small as possible although they are still not able to work directly on the fires edge.

The Cedar Creek Fire, caused by lightning over the area in the last few days, is about 500 acres and approximately one mile west of the Black Creek Trailhead on the 2421 road, about 17 miles due east of Oakridge, Oregon, west of Waldo Lake, and north of Highway 58. The fire continues to be very active, moving north, spotting in all directions and putting up a large plume visible from Oakridge. The PNW 2 Type 1 Team, with Incident Commander Mike Minton, will be taking the fire and will in-brief tomorrow evening.

There is an emergency closure order for the Cedar Creek Fire.  Forest users are asked to avoid Forest Roads 2421 and 2424.  Also closed are all trails and trailheads on the west side of Waldo Lake including Black Canyon, Cupit Mary, Waldo Mountain, Gander Lake, Winchester Lake and the west side of Waldo Lake Trail from South Waldo Shelter to Rigden Butte Trail.