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Shift in weather expected, mop up focus of firefighting activity

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – The northern portion of the Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fire is in patrol status, while all other areas are now in mop up. This transition to mop up will further secure the perimeter, resulting in increases to the fire’s containment. Today, the containment has increased to 42%.

Mop up is the methodical process firefighters use to work in from the perimeter of the fire, locating areas of heat that could rekindle, using tools such as a shovel or a Pulaski and water they can extinguish these hot spots. Areas are gone over multiple times to ensure there is no residual fire. After mopping up, the area is patrolled regularly by firefighters, looking for visible smoke.