September 11, 2020 10:10 a.m.

The Archie Creek Fire burning east of Glide is nearing 116,000 acres with zero percent containment.

An update from Northwest Incident Management Team 9 said fire managers are continuing to assess the blaze, which is burning in the North Umpqua drainage. They are working with local fire departments on structural protection and fire line conditions as weather conditions allow.

The update said line construction continues on the west and southwest flanks, utilizing heavy equipment in cooperation with local timber companies. Staff with the Oregon Department of Transportation are keeping Highway 138 East clear for fire traffic only. A 66-mile section remains closed from just west of Glide to the intersection with Highway 97. Staff with Pacific Power are working to restore and protect lines and infrastructure. Structural fire departments are working directly with residents and on damage assessments.

Residences and commercial properties continue to be evacuated. Large tracts of private and federal timber lands continue to be threatened. Electrical transmission lines are damaged or are threatened. Recreational resorts are closed due to the fire.

The Incident Management Team is working a number of agencies to deal with the situation.

The update said extreme fire weather conditions will continue to hamper suppression. Low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds continue to create extreme fire conditions. Smoke inversion limits use of aerial resources. Humidity is expected to increase over the weekend, with the possibly of rain next week.

Kyle Reed of the Douglas Forest Protective Association said over 190 firefighters are working on the Archie Creek Fire. Reed said that includes a large presence from timber companies. He said resources are scarce due to the number of fires raging in the western United States.