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| Above: Firefighters on the Horse Prairie Fire in Douglas County continue strengthening firelines today. |
RIDDLE, Ore. – Fire managers on the Horse Prairie Fire
in Douglas County are reporting that further growth on the fire is not anticipated. The fire’s size is 16,436 acres and containment is 30 percent. Today firefighters will continue strengthening control lines and
burning areas that were included in the constructed fire line but not consumed
by the fire. Burning these areas, now, in a controlled manner, with
firefighters present, will help to prevent an unexpected fire flare-up after
the main body of firefighters leaves. Smoke from these burnouts will
be visible from Cow Creek Road but not be a threat to the control line.
Last night the
evacuation level along Cow Creek Road was reduced from Level 3 to Level
2. Road blocks will remain staffed and residents may return without
an escort from the Douglas County Sheriff’s. Access to the public is restricted due
to heavy fire truck traffic.
A trace of rain fell on the fire Wednesday night. However, fire danger remains high. Warmer temperatures and lower
humidity have been forecast to return Monday.
The fire is staffed with 1,087 personnel. The fire’s Incident Command Post is located just east of Riddle.
Smoke remains in the area. To learn more
about smoke in the area, log on to http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/.