August 29, 2023 4:15 a.m.
Crews are making progress on the Tyee Ridge Complex, burning twenty miles northwest of Roseburg.
An update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office Red Team said to the north, the Blue Pool and Yellow Point fires are now in patrol status. Although the Big Tom Fire was active, hand and dozer line construction increased around the perimeter. Near Umpqua, the Lighthouse 3 Fire became more active in the afternoon. Helicopters and retardant drops assisted ground forces on both the Lighthouse and Tyee Mountain Fires. With Oregon State Fire Marshal structure preparation completed near the Lighthouse and Cougar Creek fires, resources focused on holding and improving line, including around spot fires east of Hubbard Creek. Hubbard Creek Road was closed in the early afternoon while fallers and a skidder removed hazard trees near powerlines.
Resources include 26 crews, 10 helicopters, 45 engines, 25 dozers and 35 water tenders. At least 3 more crews, along with more dozers and water tenders are expected to arrive Tuesday. Four task forces will continue to provide structure protection preparation and point protection as needed. Efforts will focus on further line construction and mop-up in accessible terrain, and on responding to the ongoing challenges of steep terrain, rolling material and snags.
Temperatures Tuesday are forecast to be in the low 70s in the fire area with light winds from the northwest.
All evacuation notices issued by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office remain unchanged. An estimated 183 people have evacuated. The Red Cross shelter for evacuees is now at The Way Church at 1352 East Central Avenue in Sutherlin. Livestock can be sheltered at the Douglas County Fairgrounds by calling 957-7010. The Sutherlin rodeo grounds is also available for livestock. Companion pets can be sheltered at Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center. To view the current evacuation map, go to: www.dcso.com/evacuation.
The Tyee Ridge Complex is listed at just under 2,900 acres and is 5 percent contained. 904 people are assigned to the fire. 164 structures are threatened.
Fire updates are available at: https://www.facebook.com/tyeeridgecomplex