Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 07, 2022

Containment on the Windigo Fire increased to 15% as firefighters continued to make progress on all fires in the area. The incident command team is currently managing 237 sq. miles across the Umpqua, Willamette, Deschutes, and Fremont-Winema National Forests—which includes 27 known fires. Eight have active fire behavior. All 27 fires have resources assigned. Weather will challenge suppression efforts over the next few days as crews battle higher temperatures and dryer fuels. For firefighter and public safety, follow the Fire Closure Orders http://go.usa.gov/xSGhh. Yesterday, crews and heavy equipment successfully dug line around the entire perimeters of the Windigo and Potter Fires. Today, ground resources will continue to plumb, mop-up, hold and secure the fire line of the Windigo Fire. Firefighters on the Potter Fire will continue to develop and strengthen alternate and contingency lines. Air resources will support Initial Attack if any spot fires occur outside of the fire perimeters. Today, they will include eight Type 1 Helicopters and one Type 3, with 2 fixed-wing scoopers available out of Eugene. The Big Swamp Fire grew an estimated 10-15 acres. Three handcrews, 2 engines, and multiple pieces of heavy equipment will be working on that fire today with more resources en route. The small fire near Big Swamp, named 210, is still .2 acres. Shelter Fire is still under 5 acres and is secure. An additional start began south of Potter Mountain, named 212, and is .5 acres. Crews will continue to secure fire line and search for remaining pockets of heat on the smaller fires. Today’s weather changes are expected to increase fire behavior. High temperatures will reach 86-92 degrees. Wind direction will change midday and flow from a NW direction with speeds between 5-8 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops and valleys. Fire spotting distances may be up to ¼ - ½ mile with a 90% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Smoke will be more visible today as unburned islands of green fuel burn within the interior of the fire perimeters; visit AirNow.gov for more information. Help keep our firefighters and yourself safe by obeying the forest closures, avoiding the entire restricted area. A large closure area is necessary to ensure that firefighters can focus on managing the fire, not evacuating visitors, should conditions on the fire change rapidly. http://go.usa.gov/xSGhh Windigo Fire Acreage: Approx. 1,052 acres Containment: 15% Location: 20 miles southwest of La Pine, OR Cause: Lightning Potter Fire Acreage: Approx. 185 acres Containment: 0% Location: 8 miles northeast of Toketee Lake Cause: Lightning Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders. http://go.usa.gov/xSGhh Via NW Incident Management Team 6 Scooper Planes on Diamond Lake Scooper planes may be operating out of Diamond Lake to support the Windigo and Potter Fires as needed for fire operations. Boaters and recreationists should be aware of the potential for the planes to be operating out of the lake starting today. Prior to scooping, the pilots make an assessment of any watercraft on the lake. They will stand down the operation if it's not safe to proceed. When scooping water out of Diamond Lake, the pilots generally track on a straight flight path up the middle of the lake; however, prevailing winds may require adjustments to the flight path. Once the planes start scooping, we ask for the public’s cooperation in staying out of the flight path being utilized by the planes. Turn-around times vary depending on how far the fire area that needs the scooper drops is from the lake. As an example, on the Willamette National Forest, where the planes have been utilizing the Hills Creek Reservoir, the turn-around time is approximately 8 minutes. You may be lucky to enjoy a unique opportunity to see these planes in action. Please remember: Safety First! Via US National Forest - Umpqua National Forest