Almost 50% of the Stout's Creek Fire perimeter is now considered as a secured fire line. Work continues to fortify these lines and more than 45 miles of fire hose is in place to provide water for the work. Evacuation level around the community of Drew between mileposts 28-39 were lowered to a Level I as of 6 p.m. on August 10th by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
The fire size continues to grow as managed burns, called burnouts, bring the fire to the constructed fire line. This is the first step in securing these lines. Current fire size is 23,388 acres. Growth of the fire's size and associated smoke is expected as this work continues.
Today the weather will be moderate and good progress on the fire is expected from the 1,900 firefighters now assigned to the fire. On the sides of the fire bordering Milo, Tiller, and Drew mop-up operations will continue. North of Upper Cow Creek Road the possibility of burnout operations will be evaluated, otherwise firefighters will continue to prepare the firelines for a future burnout.
Heavy equipment is in use along Forest Road 3201 and all non-essential traffic is requested to avoid this area. All county roads are open within the fire vicinity, but caution is advised as fire suppression traffic is heavy.
Twenty three states and two Canadian providences have supplied staff for this fire. Many of these crews and staff bring expertise in burnout operations and tree falling. These crews are helping local firefighters to return to their initial attack responsibilities and other people who have been helping to return to their regular jobs. As fire containment objectives are reached there will also be a steady release of firefighters assigned to this fire.
With continued smoke in the area, those with health concerns should talk to their doctor or go to www.oregonsmoke.blogspot.com where there is information on wildfires and health as well as access to AQI 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.
The Stouts Creek Fire costs to date are $19.4 million. The State and National teams leading the effort under unified command are 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. 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.
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