Devils Knob Complex Now at 8k Acres, 15% Contained

Here is the latest update on the Devils Knob Complex burning out east of Canyonville for Monday August 16. Complex Total Acreage: 8,238 Complex Total Containment: 15% General Updates: As fires become contained and mopped up in the southern portion of the Complex, resources are being relocated to the central and northern portions of the Complex to other priority fires. The Complex originally managed 40 plus fires and additional new starts. The total number of active fires on the Complex has now been reduced to 11 as a result of containment and control efforts and the merging of larger fires. The following is a summary of the significant fire activity over the fire complex starting from north to south: Smith Fire – 1,369 acres – mop up operations continue. The indirect containment line has been completed with final line preparations taking place today. Contingency line construction options are also being explored farther east in case current containment efforts are not successful. Mule Creek Fire – 1,024 acres – mop up operations continue. Fallers are checking for hazard trees as a safety measure for firefighters. Big Hamlin Fire – 5,359 acres – mop up along the western flank will continue. Successful evening burn out operations have reinforced line on northern and southern areas of the fire. Firefighters will continue to work on hot spots in tributaries to Jackson Creek to prevent the fire from moving onto private lands. Old fire lines from the Whiskey Fire (2013) are being reopened and prepared for use as indirect containment line on the east flank of the fire, with nine miles completed so far. Little Applegate Fire – 135 acres –contained and in patrol status. Wild Cat Fire – 215 acres – mop up operations continue. An unstaffed sprinkler system along the east flank of the fire continues to be effective and will continue to be operated in areas too hazardous for firefighters. Section 30 (Railroad) Fire – 76 acres – contained and in patrol status. Dismal Creek (444) Fire – 40 acres – contained and in patrol status. The firefighting resources on the Devil's Knob Complex are also responsible for conducting initial attack operations on the entire Tiller Ranger District and private land holdings. Firefighters are prepared to respond to any initial fire starts. Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with smoke.High temperatures will be in the 84 - 90 degree range with NW ridgetop winds 5-10 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. Minimum relative humidity will range between 30- 38 percent. Air Quality: Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/. Resources: 1-type 1 hotshot crew, 2-type 2 IA crews, 14-type 2 crews, 3-camp crews, 49-engines, 20-dozers, 18-water tenders, 165-overhead, 6-masticators, 1-heavy lift helicopter, 1-medium lift helicopter; 1- light helicopter; total resources – 720. Evacuations and Closures: For the most up to date information on evacuation conditions, residents are encouraged to visit the Douglas County Sheriff Department's interactive evacuation map at www.dcso.com/evacuations where they can enter their address to determine what level they may be in. Residents can opt in to receive emergency alerts based on their address by registering at www.dcso.com/alerts. The Umpqua National Forest has implemented an Emergency Fire Closure Order restricting public access to the majority of the Steamboat, North Umpqua, and South Umpqua drainages due to high fire danger and the safety of firefighting resources in the area. To view the Closure in its entirety, please see the Complex’s Facebook post of August 13, 2021. Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the Devil’s Knob Complex, a temporary flight restriction remains over the fire area. Please consult the “Notice to Airman” for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone.” Conditions in the forest remain very dry. Any spark has a very high probability of starting a new fire, so the public is reminded to be extra careful while enjoying the out-of-doors. ” One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire”. Photos and info via IC