The
early days of the B and B Fire saw it overrun the broad expanse
of Highway 20 about August 19-21. Later, it roared south and west,
seriously endangering both Hoodoo Ski Area and Lost Lake campground.
In the picture to the left, fire damage envelops the entire ridge
shown, although a slim margin of greenery remains along the roadside
at this particular spot.
You are looking east and north from the summit of Santiam Pass (signs say, "Summit Santiam Pass, elev. 4817, Entering Jefferson County").
2 to 3 miles away on the other side of this ridge is the approximate location where the Booth Fire began, later to become the biggest part of the B and B Complex Fire. ("B and B" = the Booth and Bear Fires, which merged together about 11 miles north of this picture to become one giant fire, probably during the evening of September 3rd).
This image sho
ws
the a typical tree burn area along Highway 20. The fire was very
much a "hit and miss" thing along most of this 5-10
mile stretch. Large firs and pines have been torched, while just
yards away their neighbors will live. The net long term effect
in areas like this will be many zones with little brush and debris
on the forest floor, and with groves of large trees replacing
the dense, unbroken tree cover of pre-Fire times. There will also
be tens of thousands of dead snags--- in general, the forest will
be easier to move through both summer and winter for outdoor recreationists.
Summer travel will stir up unpleasant clouds of dust/ash for at
least a few years. There will be some danger for weeks/months
or even years from falling limbs and dead trees.
See images of ancient forest patriarchs
and portions of historic Skyline Trail threatened or lost to the
fire near Jefferson Creek and Brush Creek
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Mt. Pisgah Lookout tower was enveloped in smoke from the B and B Fire. This tower is on the Ochoco National Forest, fully 75 air miles distant from the Fire!
Page last revised 11/12/2003, November 2003