August 31, 2023 11:30 a.m.
The Tyee Ridge Complex has grown by approximately 1,900 acres.
The complex is now listed at 6,678 acres and remains 5 percent contained. 1,307 people are assigned to the fires.
An update from Northwest Incident Management Team 1 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team said firefighters continued to be engaged with active fire behavior early Thursday. Crews made progress with strengthening lines, responding to spot fires, and mitigating hazards. Personnel on the Hardscrabble, Blue Hole, Yellow Point, and Big Tom fires continued to secure fire perimeters and perform mop up. As the Cougar Creek Fire approached Cougar Creek, pushing to the south, crews worked to prevent the fire from reaching Cougar Creek Road. On the eastern perimeter of the Lighthouse Fire, firing operations occurred and line was established to the south. Coordination between wildland and structural task forces continued to protect homes on Hubbard Creek Road and prepared structures, creating defensible space in the Briarwood Road area.
Cooler temperatures are expected Thursday and there is the potential for rain during day operations. This change in weather will provide firefighters an opportunity to take a direct approach on spot fires, and secure fire perimeter to minimize the footprint and establish new lines. Fuels remain dry under heavy tree canopy where some isolated torching may occur. Seventeen aircraft remain available to support group resources including Single Engine Air Tankers and helicopters. Crews will work aggressively to take advantage of favorable conditions. Firefighters to the north of the complex will continue to mop up and hold the line, entering patrol status in certain locations. Structure protection continues to be a priority on Hubbard Creek Road. Point protection operations are taking place in the Briarwood Road area.
Evacuation notices were updated Wednesday by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. An estimated 197 people have evacuated. View the current evacuation map at: www.dcso.com/evacuations. The Red Cross Shelter for evacuees remains open at The Way Church on East Central Avenue in Sutherlin.
Tyee Ridge Complex updates are available at: https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex