September 19, 2024 10:15 a.m.

The Devil’s Knob Fire is 70 percent contained as of midday Thursday.

An update from Northwest Incident Management Team 13 said acreage increased by six acres due to better mapping capabilities provided by an unmanned aerial system. Containment has increased with the recent wet weather and ongoing mop up operations. The focus is shifting more to suppression repair.

Containment efforts on the Flat Creek drainage and along the 1610 Road have been successful. The depth of this containment has reached 100 feet in the most critical areas to extinguish hotspots remaining on the fire perimeter, making it stronger and more effective. Resources will be reduced as containment grows, allowing other priority fires to obtain needed support.

The update said the unmanned aerial system continues to scout for and identify hotspots with infrared technology, making mop up operations more efficient for ground crews. Hose, pumps and other equipment are being backhauled off the line as mop up and suppression repair of dozer and handline progresses.

Recent wet weather has kept fire activity to a minimum. While dry, warmer conditions are anticipated over the next several days, continued high relative humidity and light wind activity in the area is expected to limit fire behavior to creeping and smoldering with little potential for spread in the near future.

The Devils Knob Fire is listed at 4,148 acres. 624 people are assigned to the fire.

More information on the fire is at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565585039397