UMPQUA, Ore. – Firefighters have been working since last night with very active fire behavior on the Cougar Creek and Lighthouse Fires. Active fire behavior is expected tonight until cooler conditions and light showers arrive tomorrow morning. Today, firefighters controlled a number of spot fires that
crossed containment lines, and worked to extend lines and build backup ones.
Water and retardant drops continued to support ground operations in areas of steep or inaccessible terrain. Single-engine air tankers and helicopters worked closely with heavy equipment operators and hand crews. Among the aircraft were two Chinook (CH47) helicopters, from the Oregon Air National Guard.
To the north, the Big Tom Fire saw more active fire, while there was increased mopup on the Hardscrabble, Blue Hole, and Yellow Point Fires, which are moving toward patrol status in coming days. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces worked around structures, installing sprinkler kits along Hubbard Creek, Briarwood Road, and the Lighthouse community. They have continued to be integrated with Oregon Dept. of Forestry crews to assist in cutting lines and protecting threatened homes.
Continued active fire behavior is likely overnight. Night crews remain focused on digging hand line, attacking any spot fires that cross lines, and addressing slopovers. Crews will conduct tactical firing operations where possible to remove fuels between control lines and the fire’s edge. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office raised evacuation levels in two areas to Level 3 (Go Now!), put two other areas on a Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation level. Two new Level 1 (Be Prepared) evacuation areas were also announced. An estimated 197 persons have evacuated. No structures have been damaged or destroyed. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees now located at The Way Church of Sutherlin located at 1352 E. Central Ave. in Sutherlin, OR. To shelter livestock, contact Douglas County Animal Control at 541-440-4471. Companion pets can be sheltered at Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Roseburg.