JOSEPHINE AND SISKIYOU COUNTIES--- The Slater and Devil Fires are continuing to burn in Josephine and Siskiyou Counties. The Slater Fire is now 155,726 acres and 70 percent contained. The Devil Fire is 8,755 acres and 35 percent contained.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, "On the northern flank, mop up, patrol, and structure defense continue along fire lines, with crews steadily increasing the depth of containment. Firefighters have completed containment lines south of Browntown in the Deadman’s Gulch area, and extended hand line to Swan Mountain.
Thursday, on the eastern flank, firefighters located four small spot fires that began Wednesday when brisk southwesterly winds pushed embers across a portion of hand line near Swan Mountain into the headwaters of the left fork of Sucker Creek. Three of the spot fires are contained by rocky slopes. The fourth spot fire, measuring approximately one-quarter acre, will be contained with hand line.
On the southern portion of the fire, crews continue to patrol, monitor, and reinforce containment lines in Happy Camp and along the southwest flank up to Kelly Lake. Firefighters are focused on containing spot fires, as well as increasing the depth of containment.
In the southwest portion of the fire, in the Knopki and Chicago Creek drainages, firefighters are working to keep the fire east of Chicago Creek. Work continues to open roads leading into the East Fork of Chicago Creek, and construct fire line to the south into the area burned by the 2018 Natchez Fire.
Hazard tree removal along the Grayback Road (also known as Happy Camp Highway) between Takilma and Happy Camp remains a high priority. This work will restore safe, reliable access for firefighters, residents, and those working to bring power back to Happy Camp. Repair of other roads damaged by the fire and fire suppression actions is ramping up ahead of impending wet weather."
Weather conditions could shake up fire behavior over the next several days. The U.S. Forest Service says the transition to cooler, moister air continues, accompanied by brisk winds from the southwest. Rain showers may arrive late Friday and into Saturday. Areas exposed to higher winds from the southwest may show increased burning ahead of the rain.
