US Forest Service — Willamette National Forest
Current Weather
Fire Growth Potential
Fire Weather Forecast
Incident Overview
Inciweb information was updated: 1 year, 5 months ago
The Bedrock Fire started near Bedrock Campground on the Middle Fork Ranger District on July 22, 2023. It is burning actively on rugged forested land. Resources from the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and private industry are working to fully suppress this fire. Unusually dry fuels, steep slopes, and gusty winds have contributed to rapid fire growth.
Northwest Incident Management Team 13 assumed management of the fire the morning of July 25. Additional firefighting resources are arriving to assist with the fire.
On July 26, the Willamette National Forest issued a Forest Closure Order for the area around the Bedrock Fire. On July 29, the area covered by the Forest Closure was expanded to the south and east. All lands, roads, trails, and other recreation sites within the designated area are closed to the public.
Basic Incident Details
Northwest Incident Management Team 13
Current Situation
Timber (Litter and Understory)
Closed Timber Litter
Brush (2 feet)
The mixed ownership of private and federal lands, coupled with old fire scars, provides a checkerboard mosaic of fuel types. Mixed aged classes of timber from slash and young managed stands to late seral stage timber are spread across the landscape. Light and very dry lichen moss is draped in the tree canopies and accentuates spotting in mature stands.
All fuel size classes carry active fire behavior. Steep topography allows for uphill runs, often establishing in the crowns that produces prolific and productive spotting, up to ¾ miles. Afternoon diurnal wind activity drives fire spread up drainages such as Alder Creek, Hehe Creek, and Fall Creek to the northeast; and in the south in Andy and Rubble Creek. As fire moves into old burn scars, intensity decreases but abundant fine fuels can maintain fire spread.
Planned Outlook
Control line preparation continues on the 1817 and 1821 roads along with fire line construction in Division J along the forest and private lands utilizing a mix of ODF and Federal resources. Heavy aviation utilization will occur in line construction areas supporting their holding. Retardant and scooper use will prove effective as air quality provides opportunity.
48 hours: Thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday with the potential for gusty outflow winds and lightning.
12 hours: Fire activity expected to increase throughout the day as warm temps and low RH, along with northerly winds a concern. Single tree torching with spot fire development is likely.
