Emigrant Fire near Crescent Lake burns over 31,000 acres
KTVZ
(Saturday update)
LANE AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES, Ore. (KTVZ) — All primary control lines are complete on the Emigrant Fire. Due to cooler weather and increased humidity, crews along the southern flank of the fire were able to implement tactical firing operations yesterday off Forest Service Road (FSR) 2154 and along the western flank off FSR 2136. These are conducted to reduce fire behavior when meeting the primary line by removing understory fuels ahead of the fire, leaving large trees intact.
On the northern edge of the fire, crews continue to improve and deepen line. Snagging operations are ongoing in these areas as well. Moving southeast, crews are improving and adding check lines. Check lines are fuel breaks that compartmentalize unburned areas between the fire and primary control lines. These check lines allow for more manageable sections and safer anchors when conducting firing operations. Contingency groups are working on secondary lines along FSR 2160.
On the western edge of the fire, firefighters will continue to patrol and strengthen lines while assisting adjacent operations. Contingency groups in this area are working on secondary lines along FSR 2133 to join completed secondary lines along the southern edge. This work is expected to occur over multiple operational shifts. Contingency groups are working to protect structures in Timpanogas Campground and the hydroelectric flumes south of FSR 2154. Sprinkler systems are also being installed to protect bridges along the Middle Fork Trail.
Resource advisors continue to work with firefighters to protect natural resources in the fire area.
Earlier reporting:
Officials say firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.
The National Weather Service has issued fire weather alerts for the Cascades region through Wednesday.
The fire is currently zero-percent contained. The blaze is impacting air quality in Central Oregon.
Since initial attack, firefighters have been utilizing roads that were previously treated during the Tumblebug Fire in 2009, enabling quicker and safer access for full suppression efforts on the Emigrant Fire.
Firefighters encountered moderate fire conditions around the perimeter of the fire yesterday due to cooler temperatures and thick smoke blocking the sun. Firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.
The fire has stayed within primary containment lines. Lines are being reinforced by firefighters using a mix of tactical firing operations, brushing, hand prep, mastication, and dozer lines. A swing shift started Sunday afternoon to extend daily fire suppression operations. Firefighters are also working on secondary lines as more equipment and personnel arrive.
On the northern portion of the fire area, firefighters are utilizing sprinklers, hose lays and structure wraps to protect Sacandaga Campground and recreational structures like bridges along trail systems. In addition, tactical firing operations are planned between the campground and Forest Service Road 2143. The fire has backed down to Forest Service Road 2137 in the northwest. Fire crossed Echo Creek and firefighters are concentrating efforts to stop westward progression. Firefighters continue to prepare Forest Service Road 23 as a containment feature. Mastication continues on the primary fire line between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.
On the eastern and western flanks, tactical firing operations continued to reinforce primary lines. Mastication and hand crews followed by chipping operations are also strengthening control lines on the eastern flank.
On the southern end, firefighters are reinforcing established primary lines as the fire advances. Unmanned Aerial Systems using infrared imaging are being used to identify hotspots throughout the fire area.
WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s today and lower 90s mid-week, with Tuesday likely being the hottest day. The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and unstable conditions, which is in effect from 2 PM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday.
Saturday, an Unmanned Aerial System flew the entire northern perimeter of the fire to identify heat signatures near containment lines.
At the northwest corner of the fire, crews focused on prepping the area around Sacandaga Campground to ensure it is secured. Brushing and prep work is continuing on the boundary between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.
Today, if conditions allow, firefighters may use strategic firing operations to connect unburned fingers of vegetation to reinforce the line along Forest Service Road 21 south to Forest Service Road 2153. Mastication work will continue southward, and heavy equipment is being used to reopen an old dozer line on the southeast corner of the fire.
Prep work along Forest Service Roads 2134 and 2136 is about 30 percent complete aided by fuel break work done along Forest Service Road 2136 during the 2022 Potter Fire and the 2024 Potter Fire. Forest Service Road 2137 is holding where fire has reached the roadway.
Using existing containment lines offers multiple benefits. The quicker indirect lines are in place the sooner ground resources can attack the fire as it approaches areas having the highest probability of control. Shaded fuel breaks lower the temperature of fuels on the ground, slowing the rate of fire spread and reducing fuel consumption. Reusing these existing treatments also protects the landscape by minimizing new soil disturbance.
WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to stay in the low 80s today. Hotter, drier weather with temperatures in the 90s is forecast to return starting Monday, with potential for dry thunderstorms midweek.
SAFETY: Help keep firefighters safe by avoiding the fire area! Archery, deer and elk hunters should be aware of fire-related closures impacting the Santiam (Unit 16), McKenzie (Unit 19), and Indigo (Unit 21) hunting areas. Hunters are encouraged to monitor conditions and seek hunting opportunities in other areas.
RESTRICTIONS & CLOSURES: Fire restrictions for the Willamette National Forest can be found HERE A closure order for the fire area can be viewed HERE
SMOKE: Smoke is not currently impacting the Willamette Valley. Smoke has been settling into nearby drainages overnight in communities immediately surrounding the fire area and lifting around midday. An air quality advisory is in place for Deschutes and Klamath counties, where smoke concentrations are heavier. Smoke and air quality information is available HERE