Updates for Devils Knob Fire and Milepost 98 fire
Written by Press Release on September 9, 2024
Douglas County, Ore., — Authorities have released new updates regarding the Milepost 98 and Devils Knob fires burning the South County area.
Delays are expected along the Interstate-5 corridor as fire suppression efforts occur on Milepost 98 Fire. For updated travel information, please visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.
Local units, including Tiller and Milo Rural Fire Protection District personnel, are working with the CIMT NW 13 to protect structures near the Devil’s Knob and MP98 fire perimeters.
Devil’s Knob
The high heat and low relative humidity led to active burning conditions on the Devil’s Knob Fire. Firefighters are establishing anchor points in which to build hand and dozerline to secure priority areas along the fire perimeter protecting values at risk. A thermal trough is expected tomorrow which will increase fire behavior as heat increases in low elevations.
Milepost 98
Firefighters, working on the spot fire established on Saturday, have successfully built line around its ½ acre perimeter. Resources were engaged in mop-up operations where successful tactical firing operations were completed from previous operational shifts. Firefighters are also plumbing portions of the perimeter to deliver a steady water supply to aid in minimizing the progression of the fire.
Mostly sunny skies will continue over the fire area today with a maximum temperature of 83. Relative humidity levels will remain low as the warming and drying trend continues through the day. Wind will be light, with gusts up to 12 miles per hour. This weather pattern may produce fire growth but less rapidly than in previous days.
Closures on the Umpqua National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. These alerts show the official closure orders with listed roads and trailheads, as well as maps of the closed areas.
Multiple evacuations have been established in the fire area. These evacuations are coordinated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. An interactive map can be found at their website, https://www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas County Emergency Management, found at https:// www.dcso.com/254/Emergency-Notification-System. The Red Cross has pre-positioned supplies in Days Creek if a shelter is needed. Staff and volunteers remain available for activation where requested.
