September 16, 2021 10:40 a.m.

The Devil’s Knob Complex has grown by nearly 600 acres and is now at 67,159 acres.

An update from the Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team said Wednesday’s favorable weather conditions and decreased fire behavior allowed firefighters to work directly on the fire perimeter as they completed fire line in several locations. This work advanced containment on the Smith Fire to 28 percent and the Big Hamlin Fire to 89 percent.

Resources continue constructing fire line, work to secure the values at risk, patrolling, mopping up, extinguishing spot fires and executing suppression repair. A drying trend means fire activity may reach levels equivalent to last Tuesday. Fire managers have predicted that fire is aligned on many south and southwestern slopes, containing dead and down fuels, potentially allowing for uphill runs. Humidity in the 20 to 30 percent range will contribute to active fire potential. Firefighters, heavy equipment, and chippers will continue working in and around Ash Valley to secure fire lines around structures and remove vegetation debris.

The Smith Fire has grown to 46,334 acres while the Big Hamlin has seen slight growth and is at 19,330 acres.