Single Publication

Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fire Update for Saturday, September 14, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

There has been negligible growth in the acreage of the Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 fires in the last 48 hours. Fire activity is expected to remain minimal within the interior of the fires, with high moisture levels aiding in efforts on the ground and extensive mop-up operations adding to overall containment on the incidents. This current status has allowed resources to scale back on night operations, with more crews switching to day shifts.  

CURRENT STATUS: 

Devil’s Knob- Resources: 701, Crews: 21, Engines: 15, Water Tenders: 11 

Fire activity remains light despite the recent drier, warmer conditions. Along the southern end of the fire, tethered dozer operations are underway on steep terrain to further improve fire lines. On the east flank, mop-up operations continue in areas of dense vegetation, while containment is progressing along northern and western edges. Suppression rehabilitation of fire-impacted areas around Flat Ranch and Tyson Ranch properties are now complete. 

Milepost 98- Resources: 231, Crews: 9, Engines: 10, Water Tenders: 7 

On the southern flank, firefighters have successfully mopped up 200 feet into the fire interior. This distance will ensure that there is low probability of fire crossing the perimeter. Completed dozer lines are being rehabilitated to meet local standards as snagging operations continue. 

Resources are being moved to assist the Devil’s Knob Fire and other priority incidents in the area as containment increases on the Milepost 98 Fire. Firefighters are monitoring the fire’s perimeter for any remaining hotspots as mop-up operations proceed. CIMT NW 13 and the Oregon Department of Transportation are coordinating efforts to continue to remove hazard trees from the area, focusing efforts along the I5 corridor. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Although the fire area experienced drier, warmer temperatures yesterday, fire activity is limited to creeping and smoldering. Similar conditions are expected today. Additional precipitation with cooler temperatures is predicted to return to the forecast starting Sunday, which may trend through Wednesday. High humidity levels are likely to persist for at least the next seven days. 

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Closures on the Umpqua National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.  

Umpqua National Forst restrictions can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire.  

Fire Restrictions for Bureau of Land Management can be found on the Oregon-Washington blm.gov page.  

Oregon Department of Forestry restrictions can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.  

Douglas Forest Protective Association restrictions can be found at https://www.dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions.