Single Publication

Pacific Northwest Team 3 will be transitioning to Northwest Team 6 today 

Current Situation Hot, dry, and unstable conditions contributed to increased fire activity, with the fire increasing by approximately 600 acres, primarily on the northeast section of the fire. Smoke columns were visible in the afternoon throughout the surrounding area. Helicopters and crews worked throughout the day to further secure the fireline on the south edge of the fire. Helicopters applied additional retardant to the line established the previous day and crews completed and secured a hand line connecting the retardant line to the fireline along Black Creek Road. Most of the prep work on alternate lines further from the fire edge has been completed.

Today’s Activities: At 6:00 pm today, Pacific Northwest Team 3 will transition management of the Cedar Creek fire to Northwest Team 6. Spending a day transitioning ensures all knowledge is shared and management of the fire is continuous.  

Hot, dry, unstable conditions are anticipated again today which may increase fire activity and result in visible smoke columns. Helicopters will continue to maintain the fire-retardant line located near Edith Creek by adding water and more retardant as needed as conditions allow. Crews will continue securing the fire line from Black Creek Road to the fire-retardant line near Edith Creek, which will increase its resilience in stopping fire spread to the south. They will also continue working to develop lines to slow or “check” fire spread closer to the fire on the northwest edge. On alternate lines north of the fire, crews will be cleaning up with chipping and backhaul of equipment. South of the fire, crews will be completing prep with mastication and log hauling and will be cleaning up with chipping and backhaul. A large chipper will be operating northwest of the fire to address slash piles created from road prep activities. Firefighters will continue to assess whether any actions are needed to protect structures like Waldo Lookout, which was previously wrapped with fire-resistant material. 

The 8.7 acre Slapjack Fire is 100% contained and crews are backhauling any excess equipment. 

Evacuations: Currently, there are no evacuations in place. 

Weather: Hot, dry, and unstable conditions with temperatures in the 90s. Humidity below 20%. 

Closures: An expanded Area Closure is in place as of August 23rd for the Cedar Creek Fire. This includes all trailheads and dispersed camping west and north of Waldo Lake. The lake, campgrounds, and trails (including the PCT) on the east side remain open. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.  

Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest with the exception of the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Waldo Lake, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas. 

Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook.  

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 541-201-2335 | Email: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov  

Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8307/ | https://www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/ | https://www.facebook.com/willamettenf | https://twitter.com/willametteNF |  

YouTube: https://www.tinyurl.com/cedarcreekfireyoutube