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| Above: Just over 4,400 acres in Douglas County have burned to date in the Horse Prairie Fire. |
Fire growth on the Horse Prairie Fire in Douglas County was slowed Tuesday
night due to lower temperatures and higher humidity. Night crews took
advantage of these conditions to strengthen fire lines and build contingency
lines. With the minimal growth overnight, the fire continues to be estimated at
just over 4,400 acres and remains 15 percent contained. It is located about 15 miles northwest of Canyonville. The cause has not been determined.
The fire crossed Cow Creek late yesterday at Dad’s Creek and Table Creek.
There is a burn of approximately 100 acres across the creek and crews and
aircraft are focusing efforts in that area.
Clearing skies today will allow additional aircraft to assist firefighters. But
smoke is expected over the fire later today and may impact air operations. In
addition, any smoke over the air base in Myrtle Creek may prevent aircraft from
taking off.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office continues the Level 3 evacuation
notification for Lower Cow Creek. The notification is for Lower Cow Creek Road
from the end of County Maintenance to Union Creek, including residents living
on Doe Creek Road. The local fire departments have posted a fire engine at all
nine affected homes in the evacuation area.