Cascade Fire update

8/3/13 Update on Fires in Willamette National Forest

Warmer and drier weather over the West Cascades caused the fires from Wednesday’s lightning strikes to put up more smoke, making them more easily visible to surveillance aircraft. There are now 13 active fires in the Three Sisters Wilderness, one small fire near Waldo Lake, the19 acre Opal Lake fire on the flanks of Diamond Peak, and the Landes Creek Fire SE of Hills Creek reservoir.

“The warmer, drier weather has helped us locate the fires, but it also means the fires may begin to burn more actively,” said Randy Harbick, Fire Management Officer at McKenzie River Ranger District. “We are working to keep the fires as small as possible, while providing for fire fighter and public safety. At this time there are no closures on the McKenzie River Ranger District.”

Sunday’s weather is predicted to be hot and dry; forest visitors are asked to report any smokes they see and to be sure to fully extinguish campfires. There are no restrictions on campfires at this time on the Willamette National Forest.

McKenzie River Reflections