UMPQUA, Ore. – Night Shift fire crews took advantage of the good humidity recoveries to make solid progress on the fireline. Crews mopped up containment lines, and connected and constructed control and contingency lines for upcoming tactical firing operations.
Today, Oregon Department of Forestry crews will continue line construction for tactical firing operations. Since certain areas are too steep and dangerous for firefighters to put a handline in, indirect line is constructed in a safer location. The area between that line and the fire is burned off. This strategy is a very effective way to “fight fire with fire” and plan to hault fire spread. The tactical firing will happen in a small area that crews can’t access on the east portion of the fire. Additional fire crews were moved in to assist with the tactical firing. The tactical burn will work itself NE along the uncontained edges of the fire. This activity will increase smoke over the fire today. Air resources will be flying today, continuing to monitor any spotfires that may occur, dropping water, and supporting firefighters on the line by dropping retardant.
Today’s weather will bring light fog in the morning that will clear in the afternoon. No thunderstorms nor rain are expected today but skies will be partly cloudy. Fuel moistures are expected to decrease. This will cause the current creeping and smoldering fire to become more active in the afternoon.
With the favorable weather earlier this week minimizing threats to structures, the Oregon State Fire Marshal resources, including the Red Incident Management, Team are returning to their home agencies today. The delegation will be turned back over to local authorities for fire response. If the need arises for structural protection, resources could be asked back. OSFM thanks the community for their support.
To view the current evacuation information map, go to www.dcso.com/evacuations. 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.