Containment Lines Hold, Skyline Ridge Complex Now 62% Contained

Yesterday morning the skies were much clearer on the Skyline Ridge Complex than they've been lately. The smoke inversion that has covered the area most mornings lifted overnight, and winds increased. Gusty winds from the west buffeted the fires much of the day. Many small pockets of residual vegetation flared up on Poole Creek Fire. Firefighters closely monitored this increased fire activity and took action as needed to keep the fire inside control lines. Poole Creek Fire and the other smaller fires on the Complex stayed within their lines. Overnight moist, cooler air moved into the fire area. Drizzle to light rain fell on the fires, with showers expected to continue through this morning. While the moisture isn’t enough to put out the fire, it will be enough to make fine fuels like grasses and brush temporarily too wet to burn. Firefighters will be able to break open hot areas and let the damp air and surface soil cool them, which will quicken mop up. When skies clear this afternoon, fire activity is expected to increase with continuing gusty winds. It's safer if this “wind-testing” of a fire occurs while a fire is well-staffed, like the Skyline Ridge Complex. Burning remaining fuels now makes the fires less likely to flare up later in the summer.Surplus personnel and equipment are being released from the Skyline Ridge Complex. Most of these will be going home to get some rest before their next assignment, or they will head directly to another fire. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has reduced the evacuation area and level for Upper Cow Creek Road. To get the most up to date information visit https://www.dcso.com/evacuations. The Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation order remains in place on Moore Ranch Rd. and Ferguson Lane. Photos and info via Incident Command