Umpqua, OR – Crews continued to make progress on the Tyee Ridge Complex in western Douglas County. To the north, the Blue Pool and Yellow Point Fires are in mopup and will be in patrol status beginning tomorrow. Although the Big Tom Fire was active, hand and dozer line construction increased around the perimeter. Near Umpqua, the Lighthouse 3 Fire became more active in the afternoon. Helicopters and retardant drops assisted ground forces on both the Lighthouse and Tyee Mountain Fires. With Oregon State Fire Marshal structure preparation completed near the Lighthouse and Cougar Creek Fires, resources focused on holding and improving line, including around spot fires east of Hubbard Creek. Hubbard Creek Road was closed in the early afternoon while fallers and a skidder removed hazard trees near powerlines.
Resources today included 26 crews, 10 helicopters, 45 engines, 25 dozers, and 35 water tenders. At least 3 more crews, more dozers, and more water tenders are expected to arrive tomorrow. Four task forces will continue to provide structure preparation and point protection as needed. Efforts will focus on further line construction and mopup in accessible terrain, and on responding to the ongoing challenges of steep terrain, rolling material, and snags.
Cloudy conditions, temperatures in the 50s, and relative humidities of 90-95% will further aid the firefighting effort tonight. Under these conditions, flame lengths and spread rates are expected to continue to drop. However, there is still potential for uphill runs, torching, and spotting. Tomorrow, temperatures are forecast to be in the low 70s with winds 2 to 4 miles per hour from the NW.
All evacuation notices issued by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office remain unchanged. An estimated 183 persons have evacuated. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees is now located at The Way Church of Sutherlin located at 1352 E. Central Ave. in Sutherlin, OR. To shelter livestock, contact Douglas County Fairgrounds at 541-957-7010. Companion pets can be sheltered at Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Roseburg. To view the current evacuation information map, go to www.dcso.com/evacuations.