Mop-up activity continued Friday as crews faced uncertain weather conditions on the 195-acre Bruler Fire 30 miles northeast of Sweet Home.
Containment remains at 53%.
The U.S. Forest Service reported that the South Cascade Interagency Type Team 3 placed hose lays, sprinklers and pumps around the fire’s established perimeter. Wood debris will be pulled to create a stronger firebreak, a process slated to take three to four more days. Available fuels the fire could spread to on the south contingency will be removed over the next week. The fire danger level remained at “very high” Friday, with a red flag warning in the area.
Firefighters were especially concerned about reports of possible thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
“The Bruler Fire has not yet been tested by winds,” agency administrator Nikki Swanson said. “The fire is on a ridge and we are not sure in what direction it will move if heavy winds occur.”
The Bureau of Land Management on Friday morning rescinded its closure for the Quartzville Backcountry Byway, although the agency added in its announcement that “the closure may be reactivated at any time if the Bruler Fire escapes containment or when conditions warrant.”
Closures remain in place for the Willamette National Forest, beginning at milepost 25 past the Old Miner’s Meadow Group. For information and a U.S. Forest Service closure map, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.