09/11/2023 Three Buttes Fire Update

 

Full-Suppression Continues on Three Buttes Fire

Florence, OR—Firefighters continue to see consistent progress with full suppression efforts on the Three Buttes Fire. As of today, the fire is 10% contained. A combination of direct and in direct line construction has held the fire at 144 acres. The fire, which ignited August 25 after a lightning storm, has not grown significantly since August 31. 

 

Fire intensity can be described as low to moderate resulting in a mosaic of burned and unburned fuel or organic matter within the Three Buttes fire perimeter. The fire continues to burn at a slow rate consuming the unburned ground vegetation and duff layers. Tree mortality is low as the fire remains predominantly on the ground. Dense vegetation in mature coastal forests can insulate a fire burning deep underground. The steep and rugged terrain means finding and eliminating interior heat takes additional time, but firefighters see less visible smoke each day.

Over the next few days, a warmer weather pattern may cause an uptick in activity within the perimeter but firefighters remain confident that existing lines will hold. The fire will likely not be called ‘out’ until the arrival of wet fall weather. There are 114 people currently assigned to the fire including three crews, three engines, three water tenders and eleven pieces of heavy equipment. 

 

Several popular Forest Roads remain partially closed including Forest Road 58 and Forest Road 1057. The Upper North Fork Siuslaw Road is open for travel. Drivers should maintain safe speeds and watch for increased fire traffic. For the complete Three Buttes Fire closure order, including a map of the closure area, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1135475.pdf

For more information, please visit the Siuslaw National Forest Facebook page (@SiuslawNF) and the Siuslaw National Forest Webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw).