Fire department increases defense measures against several fires in Willamette Complex South

The Willamette Complex South consists of seven fires and has burned 13,082 acres of land so far. 732 people are deployed to fight the fires.

The cooler, wetter weather of the past few days has not only limited fire activity, but also aided firefighters in their efforts to reinforce control lines and prepare indirect lines. Crews are identifying and cutting down trees and stumps weakened by the fire.

This work requires vigilance, and firefighters are constantly alert to these hazards and make safety a top priority. Crews continue to reinforce control lines on the west side of the Chalk Fire, and helicopters delivered multiple buckets of water to the interior of the Moss Fire. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority during all phases of the incident.

The fires were determined to be caused by lightning. Resources include:

• 1 Type 1 Hotshot Crews
• 9 crews of type 2
• 3 Type 2 First Attack Team
• 4 helicopters
• 21 engines
• 6 bulldozers
• 119 Heavy equipment (masticators, skid steer loaders and felling and bundling machines)

Chalk fire (5,696 acres, 66% containment)
Crews continue to monitor and improve containment lines in the southern, eastern and northern portions of the fire. In the western portion, crews are deepening control lines from the main body of the fire while continuing to prepare indirect lines and manage fire-weakened trees and stumps.

Moosberg fire (868 acres, 0% containment)
Crews continue to secure areas south of Forest Service Road (FSR) 2120 to the main fire area and build an indirect line along FSR 2120 and 23 to reduce the risk of fire spread. Helicopters are again available today to drop water on the fires and keep the fire under control. Crews continue to haul and chip wood debris and remove tree stumps.

208 Fire (253 acres, 0% containment)
The 208 Fire is being monitored from aircraft and, if necessary, helicopters will deploy firefighting equipment to keep the fire under control.

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Fire in Tire Mountain (23 hectares, 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 hectares, 100% contained), Coffee pot fire (6,180 acres, 100% contained)
These fires are being monitored regularly. Fire crews are improving emergency lines around the Coffeepot Fire. Helicopters will drop water on fires as needed to keep the Coffeepot Fire and the 208 Fire under control.

Warm temperatures will prevail by the end of the week, between 30 and 35 degrees. Very dry air will spread across the area, resulting in low humidity and poor weather recovery at night. Warm and dry conditions will persist through Saturday. A storm depression will arrive early next week, bringing with it a slight chance of rain showers and thunderstorms.