0523 WILLOW

### 1. Fire Start, Size and Growth - **Start Date/Time/Location**: The 0523 Willow Fire ignited in early July 2025, approximately 20 miles south of Paulina, Oregon, in Crook County. - **Size and Containment**: As of July 17, 2025, the fire has burned **4,417 acres** and is **90% contained**[1][2][5]. - **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire initially grew rapidly, reaching over 4,000 acres by July 11 with zero containment at that time. Favorable weather and firefighting efforts have since slowed its spread. The fire burned on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private lands, with fuels including rangeland and brush typical of the region. Minimal fire activity was reported by mid-July, allowing crews to focus on securing fire lines and mop-up operations[2][3]. - **Containment Efforts**: Firefighting resources included BLM and US Forest Service engines, bulldozers, skidgins, and aerial assets such as two Type 1 helicopters, a SEAT plane, and a large air tanker. The incident transitioned to a Type 4 Incident Management Team with about 35 personnel by July 14. Crews have been working on fire line construction, perimeter securing, and repairing resource damage caused during suppression[2][3]. ### 2. Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** - Evacuation alerts have been reduced to **Level 1 (Be Ready)** as of mid-July, reflecting improved containment and reduced immediate threat to residents. - Earlier, there were **Level 3 (Go Now)** evacuation orders around the Willow Butte area and **Level 2 (Be Set)** warnings south of the fire, but these have been downgraded. - Residents are advised to remain alert for any changes in evacuation status due to potential flare-ups[2][3]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - The Bureau of Land Management issued an **area closure** around the fire perimeter to protect public safety and support firefighting operations. - No major public road closures have been reported, but local access may be restricted near the fire area. **For more information, visit:** - Oregon BLM Fire Information: [ktvz.com Willow Fire updates](https://ktvz.com/news/top-stories/2025/07/13/willow-fire-tops-4400-acres-still-zero-contained-blm-issues-area-closure-but-evacuation-alerts-reduced-to-level-1/) - Central Oregon Fire Information: [centraloregonfire.org](https://centraloregonfire.org) - Air Quality and Smoke Updates: [fire.airnow.gov](https://fire.airnow.gov) ### 3. Current Impact **Impacts:** - No reports of fatalities or serious injuries have been made public. - The fire has primarily affected rangeland and private lands; no significant structural losses have been reported. - Fire suppression efforts have caused some resource damage, including fences and natural habitat, which crews are now repairing. - No major school or business closures have been noted, but residents in the immediate area have been on alert due to evacuation notices. **Safety Concerns:** - Air quality in the region may be affected by smoke, especially during active burning periods; residents with respiratory issues should take precautions. - Burn bans and fire restrictions are likely in place given the ongoing wildfire season and dry conditions typical of Central Oregon in summer. - Public is reminded to avoid ignition sources and adhere to fire safety guidelines to prevent new starts. ### 4. Ongoing Outlook - Fire containment is expected to reach **90% by the end of July 13**, with ongoing mop-up and patrol operations to prevent flare-ups. - Firefighters will continue securing the perimeter and repairing damage while monitoring for hot spots. - Weather conditions have been favorable recently, aiding containment efforts, but vigilance remains necessary due to potential for dry, warm weather. - No current Red Flag Warnings or extreme wind events have been reported for the area, reducing immediate risk of rapid fire growth[2][3]. ### 5. Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate - The exact **cause of the Willow Fire has not been publicly disclosed**. - The fire season in Oregon in 2025 has been influenced by **dry fuels and warm, dry weather**, typical of the region’s summer climate. - Lightning earlier in the week likely contributed to multiple fire starts in Central Oregon, including the Willow Fire. - Ongoing drought conditions and limited precipitation have created an environment conducive to wildfire ignition and spread, consistent with broader trends of increased wildfire risk in the western United States[3][4]. If you live near the affected area, stay informed through official channels and be prepared to follow any evacuation orders or advisories.

Citations

['https://data.statesmanjournal.com/fires/0523-willow/0543aabb-26c8-4000-ae0e-e618f7f5ffaf/', 'https://ktvz.com/news/top-stories/2025/07/13/willow-fire-tops-4400-acres-still-zero-contained-blm-issues-area-closure-but-evacuation-alerts-reduced-to-level-1/', 'https://www.bendsource.com/news/the-willow-fire-has-grown-to-more-than-4000-acres-in-crook-county-23465022', 'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_wildfires', 'https://zoom.earth/fires/us-or-0523-willow-fire/']