The Tyee Ridge Complex grew by roughly 1,900 acres overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Over the last 24 hours, firefighters continued to be engaged as the fire was very active behavior. Crews made progress in strengthening lines and responding to spot fires. Firefighters in the Hardscrabble, Blue Hole, Yellow Point, and Big Tom fires continued to secure fire perimeters and perform mop-ups. As the Cougar Creek Fire approached Cougar Creek, pushing to the south, crews worked to prevent the fire from reaching Cougar Creek Road. On the eastern perimeter of the Lighthouse Fire, backburning happened and a line was established to the south. Coordination between the Oregon Department of Forestry wildland resources and the Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces continued to protect homes on Hubbard Creek Road and prepared structures, creating defensible space in the Briarwood Road area.
On Thursday, cooler temperatures were expected with the potential for rain during the day. This change in weather will allow firefighters to take a direct approach to spot fires, secure the fire perimeter to minimize the footprint and establish new lines. Fuels remain dry under heavy tree canopy where some isolated torching may occur.
Seventeen aircraft remain available to support ground resources including Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and helicopters. Thursday, crews will work aggressively to take advantage of the favorable conditions. Firefighters to the north of the complex will continue to mop up and hold the line, entering patrol status in certain locations. Structure protection continues to be a priority on Hubbard Creek Road and point protection operations are taking place in the Briarwood Road area.
Evacuation notices were updated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office yesterday. An estimated 197 people have evacuated. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees is now located at The Way Church of Sutherlin located at 1352 E. Central Ave. in Sutherlin, OR. To shelter livestock, contact Douglas County Animal Control at 541-440-4471. Companion pets can be sheltered at the Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Roseburg. To view the current evacuation information map, go to www.dcso.com/evacuations.