A helicopter joins firefighting efforts on the Bedrock Fire near Fall Creek east of Eugene.
Bedrock Fire Facebook Page
Warmer temperatures, thunderstorms and winds might mean more fire activity over the weekend in Western Oregon.
At a community meeting on the Lookout Fire Wednesday at McKenzie River High School, incident meteorologist Tom Wright shared forecast details.
“We are starting into a heat wave pretty much through the weekend,” Wright said. “The two things that I’m most concerned about are the thunderstorm threats. We do have some thunderstorm potential coming up. The other thing is the easterly winds. They’re going to be pretty light. So it’s not a big windstorm, so don’t worry about that. But it’s just enough to come down the drainage and keep the humidity from recovering at night.”
People in the McKenzie River Valley, where the Lookout Fire is burning, are still recovering from the devastating Holiday Farm Fire of 2020.
Lookout Fire
The Lookout Fire is mainly on Willamette National Forest land. As of Thursday, it’s 14,286 acres and 6% contained. More than 1,200 people are working to put it out. Evacuations are in place for areas around the Lookout Fire in Lane and Linn Counties.
Bedrock Fire
The Bedrock Fire near Fall Creek is 31,546 acres and 45% contained.
A virtual community meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Friday Facebook Live on the Bedrock Fire 2023 page. There will be a live question-and-answer session following the presentations. It will also be recorded and available for viewing.
Liberty Fire
From the Associated Press: A fast-moving fire prompting authorities to urge more than 600 residents near Salem to flee their homes has been contained, officials said Thursday.
Salem city officials said Thursday afternoon on Facebook that the Liberty fire was 100% contained with some hot spots and other hazards remaining. Officials said fire crews will remain on site and that people who fled Wednesday could return to their homes but should remain ready to leave again, if needed.
The fire started Wednesday afternoon and burned two structures, city officials said. No injuries have been reported. More than 100 firefighters responded. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Air Quality
Air quality in eastern Lane County and central Oregon is expected to be poor as the weather will be pushing smoke into these areas through Sunday.
Smoke impacts will be greatest close to the fires in the Cascades. Daily localized smoke impacts are possible in the Willamette Valley, especially eastern portions.
Expect periods of Unhealthy to Hazardous air quality in and around Blue River close to the Lookout Fire. Moderate to Unhealthy air quality is forecasted in Oakridge. And Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Eugene/Springfield area.
Eastern Douglas County and Deschutes County are also under an air quality advisory through Sunday afternoon.
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