Firefighters on the Salt Creek Fire continued to make progress on building and strengthening containment lines yesterday, trying to stop the wildfire's growth.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the majority of the fire has direct line at the fire's edge. The region's largest fire of the season so far was measured to be 3,815 acres with 16% containment.
Strategic firing operations were used on a few small portions of the fire that had areas of indirect line due to steep, rocky terrain. With this work complete, those areas are more secure. On the northern portion of the fire, mop-up operations reached 50 feet into the fire's perimeter. Hose has been established on the southern border, which will greatly aid firefighters in mop-up moving forward.
There were 941 total personnel assigned to the wildfire including 12 20-person hand crews backed by 22 engines, 11 water tenders and 10 bulldozers. Aircraft including multiple helicopters and air tankers are available when needed.
Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in effect for several areas around the wildfire, but so far no homes or structures are threatened.
Salt Creek Road and Wasson Creek Road remain closed off Highway 140. Double Day Road is still closed off Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open.
The Salt Creek Fire is located between Eagle Point and Butte Falls. It was first reported on Sunday just after 4 p.m.. The cause remains under investigation.
