U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest

09/02/2026

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARRIVE ON DEEP CREEK FIRE
Yesterday, Forest Service firefighters improved access along Forest Service Road (FSR) 18 and FSR 1839 in support of full suppression efforts on the Deep Creek Fire. Additional resources arrived, including a Type 1 interagency hotshot crew, 2 dozers, 2 masticators, and engines. An infrared (IR) flight confirmed that there are no spot fires outside of established control features. The Deep Creek Fire, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Lowell, OR in the Fall Creek area, remains estimated at 60 acres.

Today’s plan includes crews and engines using direct tactics where possible, as well as continuing to prepare indirect control lines. The Deep Creek Fire is burning in standing and down snags on steep slopes within the Gales Fire footprint, creating significant hazards for first responders. Overhead hazards including branches and tree tops from standing snags and fire-weakened trees, unstable soils, rolling debris, and difficult terrain increase the risk of injuries and limit safe access. Firefighter safety is a concern as crews continue to work in these challenging conditions.

Weather conditions moderated fire behavior across the incident yesterday, helping hold the fire within existing control features. Forecasted cooler temperatures and precipitation are expected to limit fire growth and support crews as they continue engaging in both direct and indirect suppression efforts.
A road closure is in place for FSR 18 from the 1834 road to the 1844 road, including a portion of FSR 1839. Please avoid the area for public and firefighter safety as suppression operations continue.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Smoke will be visible in the vicinity of the fire and nearby communities. Visit AirNow.gov for air quality information.

09/01/2026

💨 As the next weather system arrives on Wednesday, we'll see increasing winds from the south, strongest along the coast & marine waters. Mariners should prepare for gale-force wind gusts.

Make sure to secure outdoor items & remove other debris that could be blown by the wind.

09/01/2026

FULL SUPPRESSION RESPONSE CONTINUES ON DEEP CREEK FIRE
Forest Service firefighters are expecting an active day on the Deep Creek Fire, formerly known as incident #349, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Lowell, OR in the Fall Creek area. The fire is currently estimated at 60 acres, burning in standing and down snags on steep slopes within the Gales Fire footprint.

Once the cloud layer lifts, aviation resources including air attack and helicopters will be used today to cool the advancing fire front as unstable and windy conditions occur ahead of a cold front that is expected to bring widespread precipitation tomorrow. Crews and engines are using direct tactics where possible, as well as scouting and preparing indirect control lines.

A road closure for Forest Service Road 18 from the 1834 road to the 1844 road, including the entire 1839 road system is in development. Please avoid the area for public and firefighter safety as suppression operations continue.

Smoke will be visible in the vicinity of the fire and nearby communities. Visit AirNow.gov for air quality information.

08/31/2026

Forest Service firefighters are responding to a new fire located in the Fall Creek area of the Middle Fork Ranger District along Forest Service Road 1835.

The fire, incident #349, is estimated at 10 to 15 acres and is burning within the Gales Fire footprint. A crew, engine, air attack and two helicopters are responding with additional resources en route to support full suppression efforts.

Smoke may be visible from nearby communities. Please avoid the area for public and firefighter safety.

08/31/2026

SAND PRAIRIE FIRE 50% CONTAINED

Forest Service firefighters worked through the weekend improving control lines and conducting mop-up to a depth of up to 75 feet from the fire perimeter into the burned area. The fire is now 50% contained.

Pockets of grass and shrubs continue to burn in the interior of the 80-acre fire. Weather conditions including rain forecast mid-week are expected to help the crews and engines on scene continue to increase containment as part of full suppression efforts.

The fire did impact Sand Prairie Campground, destroying two restrooms. Recreation staff have begun assessments for their replacement. Firefighters continue focused mop-up throughout the campground.

Smoke will continue to be visible in the vicinity of the fire. Sand Prairie Campground remains closed. Forest Service Road 21 is expected to reopen tomorrow. Visitors are encouraged to use caution when driving in the area as operations continue.

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Archery season has opened for deer and elk hunting in western Oregon. Hunters using the Willamette National Forest should familiarize themselves with the fire closures and follow all fire restrictions. The Willamette National Forest currently has a campfire ban in effect due to very high fire danger. Hunt safely and be sure of your target. Remember, you are sharing the woods with other people working and recreating in close proximity.

🔥Fire restrictions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire
🦺 Safety information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation/opportunities/hunting-shooting
🦌 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://myodfw.com/

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

The U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation announced the launch of the National Forests and Grasslands Passport – a free digital stamp experience that will let you check in at all 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, share your adventures, and collect virtual badges along the way.

Each badge represents a specific forest, and reflects the unique landscapes, plants, and animals of that forest!

Download the free OuterSpatial app at http://www.nationalforests.org/passport

08/28/2026

SAND PRAIRIE FIRE – CONTROL LINES HOLD, FIRE STILL 80 ACRES

Established control lines held overnight. The Sand Prairie Fire, previously known as Incident #336, is located south of Hills Creek Reservoir along Forest Service Road 21 on the Middle Fork Ranger District. The fire remains at approximately 80 acres.

Today, Forest Service firefighters focused on mop-up along the fire perimeter and strengthening control lines. Crews also removed hazard trees along control lines and road systems. An Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight confirmed that no spot fires occurred outside the primary control features.

Resources on scene include ten engines, an interagency hotshot crew, two Type 2 Initial Attack crews, two water tenders, and a faller module.

Fire activity remains moderate, with isolated single‑tree torching in interior sections of the fire. Crews will continue reinforcing control features and addressing interior heat as containment efforts progress.

Smoke will continue to be visible in the vicinity of the fire. Sand Prairie Campground and portions of Forest Service Road 21 remain closed during suppression operations. Please avoid the area for public and firefighter safety.