Single Publication

Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fire Morning Update for Thursday, September 12, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

A public meeting was held last night in Tiller, Oregon where fire managers provided an operational briefing to 12 members of the local community. A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fires 2024 Facebook page. 

Containment of both fires continues to increase due to firefighting efforts and the change in weather. Containment will progress as firefighters continue securing fireline and fire managers evaluate the threat to control lines surrounding the perimeter.  

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District has decreased the fire danger level on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties to high. Current regulations are available on www.swofire.com.  

CURRENT STATUS: 

Devil’s Knob- Resources: 657, Crews: 19, Engines: 16, Water Tenders: 12 

The northern flank and a large section of the western edge of the fire perimeter is in patrol status. This indicates the potential for reignition of the fire in these areas is minimal. The tactical firing operation along Forest Service Road 400 earlier in the week was successful in clearing out pockets of unburned fuel to make a clean line to mitigate further growth. Mop-up operations continue throughout this area. Active line construction continues on the south and southeast portions of the fire perimeter. 

Milepost 98- Resources: 325, Crews: 13, Engines: 12, Water Tenders: 9 

As containment increases, snagging operations continue in order to reduce aerial hazards and allow firefighters the ability to gain depth with mop-up along the fire perimeter more safely. A heli-spot was established within the fire perimeter where fuels have cooled to be utilized in support of incident personnel. All line is complete around the fire perimeter, which will allow crews to focus on bolstering containment efforts. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Temperatures will remain in the 60s today as relative humidity remains between 55-65%. Early showers within the fire area will assist in slowing the progression of the fire. A wetting rain accumulated over the fire area yesterday, and there is potential for similar conditions today. 

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Umpqua National Forest remains in High Fire Danger, Public Use Restrictions Level 2, and Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2. For more information on fire restrictions, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire. 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.