Chipping operations continue in the northern portion of the Watson Creek Fire to reduce the concentration of roadside slash left over from suppression operations. Crews are watching for hot spots outside the lines while working to mop up 100 feet or more in from the perimeter in all areas. Some stumps are still burning and isolated tree torching is visible in the interior portion of the fire.
A weak cold front continued to push through the region yesterday resulting in scattered clouds, gusty winds and slightly cooler temperatures. A minor warming and drying trend is expected today as the cold front exits to the east. Northwest to north winds may develop today with gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.
The Lakeview Estates neighborhood remains under a Level 2 evacuation notice. Areas previously at a Level 2 evacuation notice have been lowered to a Level 1.
The Fremont-Winema Forest emergency closure order for the Watson Creek Fire now allows access to some popular recreation sites in time for the Labor Day weekend.
The Gearhart Mountain Wilderness is open, as are Corral Creek, Clear Springs and Happy Camp Campgrounds, and the recreation sites at Fremont Point. The public is encouraged to check road closures online or by calling the fire information number as access to the sites may require a different route than planned.
The closure is formally referenced as Order Number 06-02-03-18-02-3 and can be seen in full at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fremont-winema/alerts-notices.
Celebrate Labor Day by giving the Pacific Northwest a break from wildfire. Obey fire restrictions. Use campfire alternatives. Don’t drive or park on dry grass.
Size: 58,092 acres
Containment: 80%
Location: 6 miles southwest of Paisley, Oregon (Paisley Ranger District)
Cause: Under Investigation
Total Assigned Personnel: 666
Assigned Resources: 16 Crews and 45 Engines
Aircraft:
2 Type 1 helicopters
1 Type 2 helicopter
1 Type 3 helicopter
