September 29, 2021 9:30 a.m. 

Suppression repair work continues in several areas on the Devils Knob Complex, in the Tiller Ranger District.

An update from Pacific Northwest Team 2 said hand crews continued their work to repair fire lines constructed on steep slopes by filling them back in and placing woody debris on top of soil to help stabilize it. In addition, crews constructed water bars to help divert water off fire lines to ensure they don’t wash out and create channels in heavy rain and snowmelt. Crews also resumed chipping operations along Forest Road 28 and other fire perimeters on the complex.

Despite another .75 inches of rain that fell on the north end of the Smith Fire, some additional smoke was observed from the surrounding areas.

Temperatures will slowly climb this week with warmer and drier conditions returning to the fire areas. These conditions will assist crews with the substantial amount of suppression work that needs to be accomplished. With over 300 miles of fire line constructed for the Devils Knob Complex, fire managers are working with Resource Advisors from the Umpqua National Forest to focus repair work in priority areas that are of critical concern for soil erosion and sediment deposition into streams. Once these priority areas are complete, the advisors will work with the fire managers to continue with other important work along and inside fire perimeters.

Containment on the Devils Knob Complex remains at 58 percent.