Single Publication

Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fires Update for Sunday, September 8, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 took command of Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fires as of 6:00 am this morning.  

CURRENT STATUS:  

Yesterday on the Devil’s Knob Fire, bucket work from aerial resources and engines supported ground crews along the 1610 road.  Spot fires were established due to localized winds; fire crews are engaging in these areas to mitigate further fire spread. Active fire behavior and rugged terrain has made building direct line challenging.  However, crews will continue to establish direct line where possible to minimize impacts to values at risk. Progression of the fire is terrain driven as fire backs down slopes towards the southeast. To protect buildings and other priorities, heavy equipment is building secondary indirect lines between structures and the fire. 

On the Milepost 98 Fire, crews worked to gain control of a slopover on the ridge near a communications tower. Today, firefighters will continue to dig line around the slopover and hold the northern edge of the fire. Movement is expected to be in the southwest direction away from the Interstate 5 corridor. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

The warming and drying trend will continue through Monday. Tuesday will bring gusty winds through the day. Moisture is anticipated later in the week, with more moderated fire activity likely on Wednesday.  

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Closures on the Umpqua National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. These alerts show the official closure orders with listed roads and trailheads, as well as maps of the closed areas.  

Multiple evacuations have been established in the fire area. These evacuations are coordinated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. An interactive map can be found at their website, https://www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Douglas County Emergency Management, found at https:// www.dcso.com/254/Emergency-Notification-System. The Red Cross has pre-positioned supplies in Days Creek if a shelter is needed. Staff and volunteers remain available for activation where requested.