8/12/2015 Stouts FIre AM Update

While there still is a large active component to the Stouts Creek Fire, many portions of the fire are in mop up mode. Firefighting crews are using handheld infrared devices to seek out small pockets of heat that could become problematic if left to smolder. At 23,589 acres and 56 percent contained, there still is a long way to go before the effort is complete but progress is being made every day.

Firefighters along the southwestern edge of the fire – north of Upper Cow Creek Road and Beaver Creek – are gearing up for a burnout operation to help complete and strengthen fire line.

"This is a fairly substantial operation in difficult terrain and fuels," said Deputy Incident Commander Russ Lane. "Completing this task is key to closing the door on this fire."

Relative humidity is forecast to be lower than yesterday with more fire activity but also allow for better burning operations.

All evacuation levels are at Level I.

With continued smoke in the area, those with health concerns should talk to their doctor or go to www.oregonsmoke.blogspot.com. There they will find information on wildfires and health as well as access to Air Quality Index monitors. Motorists are urged to be careful driving through smoke on the roads, and turn on their low beam headlights. Residents and travelers also are asked to not stop along Tiller-Trail Highway to view fire or helicopter activity as traffic is heavy with response vehicles.

There currently are 1,693 personnel assigned to the fire with 62 crews, 53 engines, 30 water tenders, 23 bulldozers and 16 helicopters.

The Stouts Creek Fire costs to date are $22.4 million. The Incident Management Team leading the effort under unified command is protecting lands that are about 50 percent on state protected lands, which include BLM and private lands, and 50 percent on the Umpqua National Forest. Twenty-three states and three Canadian provinces have provided staff for this effort. The fire is being managed cooperatively by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service. The Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team 1 develops and leads the wildland fire suppression strategy.

Please note that the current Incident Command Post, located at Days Creek Charter School, will move at 10 a.m. today to the main camp west of Days Creek. ­

Stouts Fire Information Office

Phone 541-825-3724

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StoutsFire