The Milepost 97 Fire burning south of Canyonville is up to 12,336 acres and is 15% contained.
The latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry said firefighters “have made excellent progress” on the fire. Favorable forecasts provided by the fire’s incident meteorologist came to fruition Monday allowing crews to establish control lines in several key areas. The report said the continued moderate weather should allow for some burn out operations Tuesday that will help remove unburned fuel between control lines and the main fire.
The update said firefighters are focusing much of the suppression efforts on the south portion of the fire near Interstate Five to prevent further spread towards communities. Mop up operations have begun around the north end of the fire to further secure containment lines. Crews and equipment are also continuing to construct contingency control lines along ridges and existing road systems to the west of the fire.
According to the update, the use of aircraft continues to be effective on much of the fire. Air support is helping to cool the fire’s edge so that crews can get closer access. Single engine air tankers dropped 26 loads of retardant on the fire Monday. That’s a total of nearly 18,550 gallons.
1,358 personnel are working on the Milepost 97 Fire, including firefighters and support staff. There are 51 hand crews, 41 engines, 47 dozers, and 22 water tenders. 13 helicopters are being used along with 2 single engine air tankers.
586 structures remain threatened by the human caused fire which began last Wednesday night.
Cooperators assisting the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Douglas Forest Protective Association include the Roseburg and Medford offices of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, Roseburg Resources, Silver Butte Resources, Lone Rock Timber, Williams Pipeline, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Transportation and two Douglas County structure protection task forces.
The cost of fighting the Milepost 97 Fire so far is $5.1 million dollars
Stay with News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the Milepost 97 Fire.