Umpqua, Ore. – Over the last two operational periods, fire behavior has been active. Overnight, crews made progress in some areas but faced challenges in others. The Hardscrabble, Blue Hole, Yellow Point, and Big Tom Fires continue to be in mopup, and tactical firing operations occurred on Big Tom until early this morning. The Lighthouse 3 Fire reached 656 acres. The Cougar Creek Fire grew to the south at Day Creek and to the NE, reaching 3,965 acres. Crews worked to hold and establish line and mop up spot fires throughout the night. Strong coordination between Oregon Department of Forestry wildland resources and Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces protected homes on Hubbard Creek Road.
Today, warmer temperatures and drier conditions are expected to keep fire behavior active. Fuels remain dry and ready to ignite, and rolling material and snags may create slopovers across lines. Firefighters will likely encounter backing and flanking, with the potential for isolated uphill runs and short range spotting in the afternoon. Clear and sunny weather conditions will drive this behavior, but may also allow for air resources to engage. Seventeen aircraft will be available including Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and 17 helicopters. Today’s mission is to work aggressively to line and hold fires wherever possible. Task forces will mop up around residences on Hubbard Creek Road, conduct structure preparation on Briarwood Road, and scout opportunities for structure preparation on Cole Road east of the Lighthouse Fires. After today, weather conditions are likely to become cooler and showers are forecasted.
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 Animal Control at 541-440-4471. 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.