August 20, 2021 10:15 a.m.  

The Devil’s Knob Complex of Fires, on the Tiller Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest has grown by around 1,700 acres.

An update from Great Incident Management Team 2 said work on the Big Hamlin fire is focused on primary and alternative control lines. Good progress was made with prep work on the south-eastern flank while assessing potential burn operations to help prevent further fire spread. The fire is pushing toward the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary. On the southern flank, one mile of firing was completed and is holding. The west flank of the fire is holding well from the 29 Road south with some containment expected in the next few days.

The update said fire activity on the southwest flank pushed to the primary control line on Thursday. Fire crews managed to keep this within the control lines using aerial resources and hand crews. Firefighters are prepared to complete firing operations if conditions are right down the 28 Road to keep the fire from progressing further west. On the northern flank, firefighters have limited access and continue to assess opportunities. On the east side of the fire, heavy equipment and masticators are being used in preparation for additional burnout operations. Fire crews continue to work on the spot fire that crossed the South Umpqua River with additional crews assigned to day and evening shifts.

The Devil’s Knob Complex is now over 18,600 acres and remains 15 percent contained.