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Highlights: There was increased fire activity yesterday, but the fire remains within control lines. Firefighters expected this change, as the hotter and drier days have dried out the fuels. There is more smoke coming from the Coal Creek drainage, which may continue for the next few days given the weather forecast. The Rogue River Hotshots and the Northwest Regulars Crew (Central Oregon) are using direct fireline tactics in that area, receiving additional suppression support from engines, a dozer and aerial bucket work. The dozer aims to finish the control line south of Coal Creek today. The fire also continues to emit increased smoke near Bluff Lake. Skies will remain smoky until the inversion layer lifts this afternoon.

Firefighters continue to prioritize establishing control lines, patrolling communities, and refining structure preparation. Crews are testing and adjusting hose lays around private structures. A structure protection specialist arrives today, further augmenting those efforts. Timber processing continues along Forest Road 46, and chippers are at work throughout the fire area.

Weather: Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm for the next few days, with daytime highs 78 to 81 degrees. Today’s afternoon cloud coverage should provide some shade to the fire footprint. Relative humidity will remain low, ranging from 25 to 27%. Winds continue to be light and terrain-driven. The high-pressure system will continue through the week.

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).

Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds as identified on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices.