September 18 Update
Incident: Tumblebug Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/18/2009
(Oakridge, OR) Two fires burning on opposite sides of Tumblebug Creek, designated as Fire 119 and Fire 123, are burning toward each other. Burning debris continues to fall down the steep slopes below the fires, causing the fires to spread beyond the reach of firefighters despite repeated drops of water from helicopters.
Fire officials are concerned about predicted hot weather and dry east winds in the coming days. "We're doing all we can to stop these fires now," said Incident Commander Chris Hays. "If strong east winds come, containment will be a lot tougher. Extremely steep terrain is our only barrier to full containment right now."
Specialized fire crews are preparing for construction of a containment line that will go to the bottom of the canyon and essentially "box in" the fires. A seventh helicopter, a heavy-lift Chinook capable of delivering 2000 gallons of water in a single drop, has been added to the aerial arsenal.
The upper Middle Fork Willamette drainage receives intense hunter use as the general deer season approaches. Recreationists are asked to be mindful of heavy fire traffic along Forest Road 21.
Bees and hornets continue to harass the firefighters, but no serious injuries have been reported.
Forest Road 2144 is closed for public and firefighter safety. Sacandaga Campground is not available for public use because of its use by fire crews.
The 186-acre Tumblebug Complex is burning on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest, 24 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon. A Type 3 Management Team led by Incident Commander Chris Hays is directing the suppression effort.
