August 17, 2021 9:40 a.m. 

Gusty winds Monday tested the Skyline Ridge Complex and the Poole Creek Fire, burning in southern Douglas County.

An update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 said a smoke inversion lifted, leading to the increased winds. Those winds buffeted the fires for much of the day. Many small pockets of residual vegetation flared up on the Poole Creek Fire. The update said firefighters closely monitored the increased fire activity and took action where needed, to keep the fire inside control lines.

Recent moisture isn’t enough to put out the fire, but will make fine fuels like grasses and brush temporarily too wet to burn. Firefighters will be able to break open hot areas and let the damp air and surface soil cool them, which will quicken mop up.

The update said surplus personnel and equipment are being released from the Skyline Ridge Complex. Many people will be going home to get some rest, while others will head directly to another fire.

The Skyline Ridge Complex is 62 percent contained and is burning in 5,760 acres five miles southeast of Canyonville.