Deception Complex Fire Update 9/16/14

The Deception Creek Fire continued to burn actively yesterday, but did stay within established control lines.  Unburned islands of vegetation remain mostly along the western perimeter of the fire that will continue to burn and produce smoke for days to come.

The Red Flag Warning has expired this morning as more moisture moved into the area and the risk of thunderstorms has been reduced.

The Deception Creek Fire continues to be managed under a full suppression strategy which is designed to keep the fire size as small as possible while maintaining public and firefighter safety, and protecting natural resources.

Mop up (extinguishing all burning material) along the perimeter of the fire is progressing as planned and may be completed within the next few days making the containment lines more secure.  As more vegetation within the fire lines is burnt, fire managers feel more confident in meeting containment objectives.

Today, temperatures are expected to be cooler and the relative humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) is predicted to be higher.  The increase humidity will reduce the fire behavior but may also increase the amount of smoke generated from burning vegetation.

The 731 firefighters, 6 helicopters, 34 engines, 2 dozers, and 21 water tenders assigned to the Deception Complex are poised to respond if the fire escapes any containment line.

Air quality over the communities of Westfir and Oakridge is expected to be in the moderate range today.  For additional air quality information see the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency website at oregonsmoke,blogspot.com or lrapa.org.

Public use restrictions and area, road and trial closures are in effect.  They can be viewed at:

            Willamette National Forest - fs.usda.gov/willamette

            Umpqua National Forest - fs.usda.gov/umpqua