FIREFIGHTERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF COOLER TEMPERATURES ON TYEE RIDGE COMPLEX

Apr 26, 2024

August 29, 2023 10:00 a.m.

Firefighters on the Tyee Ridge Complex are taking advantage of cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and minimal winds.

An update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team said crews remain challenged by steep slopes and dry fuels. The Lighthouse and Cougar Creek Fires were active early Tuesday. Oregon Department of Forestry wildland resources, including hand crews and dozers, continued line construction and holding, working to keep those fires in check as much as possible. Numerous resources including heavy equipment engaged along Hubbard Creek Road as the fire backed down to the road in many places. The Tyee Mountain Fire near Umpqua is also in mop-up, although some activity is still expected. Crews made good progress on the Big Tom Fire, including mop-up and plumbing, which is staging of hose lays around the fire perimeter. The Hardscrabble, Blue Hole and Yellow Point Fires are moving toward patrol status.

Resources on the complex have grown to over 900 personnel and containment is at 5 percent. Fifteen aircraft are working, pending smoke and weather conditions. The focus continues to be on creating and holding line, and being ready for initial attack as needed in the Hubbard Creek area. As weather conditions are largely favorable, crews aim to expand their gains to date and prepare for possible weather shifts later in the week. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces are in the Lighthouse Road area with sprinkler kits, and on Hubbard Creek Road providing protection and removing hazard trees near residences.

Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to reach 70 degrees in the fire area, with light winds coming from the northwest. Although fuels are becoming less dry, there is still potential for active fire behavior including uphill runs, torching and spotting. Areas of heavy smoke are likely along with continued poor air quality.

All evacuation notices issued by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office remain unchanged. An estimated 183 people have evacuated. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees is at The Way Church at 1352 East Central in Sutherlin. To shelter livestock, contact the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 957-7010. Livestock can also be taken to the rodeo grounds in Sutherlin. Companion pets can be sheltered at Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Winchester. To view the current evacuation information map, go to: www.dcso.com/evacuations.

Tyee Ridge Complex updates are available at: https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex