The Milepost 97 Fire burning south of Canyonville is nearing 12,600 acres.
The latest fire update from the Oregon Department of Forestry said the fire remains 25% contained. Over 1,460 personnel are working on the fire, including support staff. 57 hand crews, 44 engines, 20 dozers, 26 water tenders, and 19 aircraft are helping with the suppression effort.
The update said on Tuesday firefighters took advantage of another favorable day by providing direct attack around much of the fire’s perimeter. Given the conditions, large burnout operations planned for the day, were not necessary. Fire crews were able to preserve nearly 3,000 acres of timberland, and possibly save tens of thousands of dollars in fire suppression costs by building line right up against the fire, according to the update.
At the Wednesday morning briefing, Douglas Forest Protective Association Board of Directors’ President Rick Barnes addressed the fire crews. Barnes said the firefighters have earned their respect and appreciation for the “tremendous effort” they have put forward. Barnes said that all the landowners impacted by the fire, couldn’t have asked for a finer effort from DFPA, the Incident Management Team and all other fire personnel.
Crews will continue to secure lines along the south and west portions of the fire, mopping up and patrolling throughout the north and east perimeter.
586 structures remain threatened by the Milepost 97 Fire.