Umpqua, Ore. – Cooler weather conditions, increased relative humidity and light drizzle contributed to lower fire activity today. Incident Commander Joe Hessel noted, “Good progress by firefighters, assisted by favorable weather conditions resulted in minimal fire growth. This allowed the Douglas County Sheriff to lift all Level 3 evacuations within the fire area.” All Level 1 and 2 evacuation zones remain in place. People entering the fire area need to exercise caution and be aware of hazards and ongoing fire suppression activities.
Oregon Department of Forestry crews on the northern end of the fire complex mopped in to 30 – 50 feet. Crews on the Cougar Creek and Lighthouse Fires secured lines, prepared for tactical firing operations of fuels within the fire line, identified contingency line options, and continued the removal of hazard trees.
Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces and hand crews are reinforcing lines around homes and continuing to mop up along Hubbard Creek, Briarwood Road, and the Lighthouse community.
Today, firefighters were able to go direct with line construction due to favorable conditions. On the SE portion of the fire, crews secured lines around homes and continued mopping up. Structure protection on Hubbard Creek Road consists of hose lays on existing dozer lines and prepping structures on the south side of the road. Air attack remains available to support fire crews on the ground.
There are no Level 3 Evacuation notices for the Tyee Ridge Complex at this time due to successful firefighting around homes by our structural and wildland crews. Current evacuation information can be found at: www.dcso.com/evacuations. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees at The Way Church of Sutherlin is closing Saturday, September 2. 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.