August 27, 2021 9:40 a.m. 

The Devil’s Knob Complex has grown by nearly 2,000 acres, and now is listed at 30,130 acres.

An update from the Florida Red Incident Management Team said on the Smith Fire, crews are building control lines and implementing strategic firing operations on all sides as weather and resources allow. Crews are prioritizing Ash Valley on the fire’s southeast edge, where two engine task forces from Douglas and Linn counties through the Office of Oregon State Fire Marshal as well as resources from the Douglas Forest Protective Association are working to protect structures in that area. Homes in the community are now plumbed with hose lays and sprinkler systems.

On the south side, crews are mopping up recent spot fires and previous burn operations. Along the fire’s northwest side, firefighters are using dozers to build indirect line for future strategic firing operations. Additional air resources have also been brought in to provide support as conditions allow.

The Incident Management Team is establishing a helibase near Days Creek to better support firefighting efforts.

Temperatures are anticipated to hover in the 70s and 80s through the weekend, with increasingly dry conditions likely contributing to some increase in fire activity.

The Devil’s Knob Complex remains 25 percent contained.