As predicted, the Cable Crossing Fire reared its head at about 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, producing a plume of smoke that could be seen from as far as Coquille. As the fire continues to grow to the south and west, firefighters have been taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves and falling back to strengthen contingency lines when the fire behavior threatens firefighter safety. The fire is now estimated at 1,110 acres and 15 percent contained.
In the Ready, Set, Go or 1, 2, 3 evacuation level system, a Level 1 “Ready” notification is in place from the Peel Store to the Wolf Creek Trail Head. As indicated, a Level 1 Evacuation notification encourages those affected to be ready should the fire continue to move towards these areas. This making preparations and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, livestock and pets.
Working alongside bulldozers, helicopters and retardant dropping air tankers, crews continue to strengthen contingency lines with hopes of conducting burnout operations under favorable conditions in the next couple of days. These tactics will eliminate fuels between control lines and the head of the fire, which will take away the fire’s momentum.
Weather continues to pose the biggest challenge. The threat of thunderstorm activity will continue to bring erratic winds to the fire area. High temperatures, low humidity and drought conditions are also hampering firefighting efforts.
A community meeting is planned for Saturday evening at the Glide Fire Department at 7:00 p.m. where fire managers will provide information and answer questions.
Highway 138 is remains open with a pilot car escort through the fire area.
The fire is burning on private and public lands in the heart of the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Corridor six miles east of Glide. While private landowners have closed their holdings to the public, Bureau of Land Management has also imposed a fire area closure. Forest roads remain closed in and around the fire area. In addition, Industrial Fire Precaution Level IV is in effect throughout the Douglas District that prohibits forest operations due to extreme fire danger. Public use restrictions, such as campfires, mowing of dry grass and off-road driving have also been tightened.
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