UMPQUA, Ore. – Drone flights on the Cougar Creek Fire captured infrared footage on the western perimeters, identifying targets for firefighters to mop up. Crews near Grier Reservoir secured and held the lines where firing operations also took place from the previous shift. Firefighters patrolled ridge lines and roads on the eastern portion of the Cougar Creek Fire. Night crews on the Lighthouse Fire secured and tightened lines on the western corner where firing operations took place yesterday. Tactical firing creates a control barrier and limits fire spread. Rocks and wood debris loosened by the fire are starting to move downhill from steeper terrains causing additional hazards for firefighters.
Today, slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity will minimize the window for tactical firing operations. On the Cougar Creek Fire, crews will be mitigating snag hazards near Cougar Creek to ensure safety during mop up operations. On the southern portion and along Hubbard Creek Road crews are ensuring integrity of control lines around structures, securing areas of previous firing operations, and mopping up further into the fire’s interior. On the southeast perimeter of the Lighthouse Fire, sprinkler systems will be installed to enhance mop up operations in steep terrain.
Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 1 (Be Prepared) evacuation notices are still in effect. 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.