Crews on Stouts Fire Make Good Progress on Fireline Construction

On Monday, firefighters took advantage of favorable weather conditions by constructing fire lines and conducting burn out operations. The fire increased to 17,166 acres as crews burned out vegetation to help protect a communications site and reinforce dozer and hand lines. Last night, crews were able to put in more miles of line than expected. Fire officials stated that four or five more days as productive as yesterday will make a difference.

“Good progress has been made, we’ve gained a foothold,” said Bill Hahnenberg of the US Forest Service, one of the Incident Commanders with the unified command managing the fire.

The fire is 10% contained with 1,272 people working on this incident representing multiple local, state, and federal natural resource and fire service agencies. The incident has an excellent safety record despite the difficult terrain and extremely hot and dry weekend weather.

The weather forecast projects continued favorable conditions that should help firefighters make gains on containing the fire. Smoke and flames from burn out operations are expected to be visible from Tiller and Drew areas. Structural firefighters are providing “point-protection” as needed around residences adjacent to the fire. The smoke inversion that has been a regular occurrence on this incident is expected to lift by mid-day, allowing additional air support available to firefighters.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1, Roseburg Resources and other landowners, and structural fire resources from Lane, Linn/Benton, Lincoln, and Marion counties are working with dozens of private contract crews on the Stouts Fire. The Red Cross evacuation shelter in Canyonville has closed, but staff remains on call in case circumstances change. Contingency plans are in place to open a shelter on the eastern or southern end of the fire if necessary.

Evacuations Levels 1 and 2 remain in effect for 317 homes. Evacuation Level 1 (Ready) is in place for the Milo Academy area and three residence along the Tiller Trail Highway in Jackson County. Level 2 (Set) evacuations are in place along the Upper Cow Creek Road on the south side of the fire; Ferguson, Stouts Creek, and Conley lanes on the north side; and the Drew Valley along the Tiller Trail Highway from milepost 28 to 39 on the east side. No Level 3 (Go) evacuations are in place at this time.

For more information about the Stouts Fire: