Aug. 27th morning update for the #TyeeRidgeComplex fires –

Last night, crews saw active fire growth on the Cougar Creek and Rattlesnake Ridge fires which grew together. There was also very active fire, including uphill runs on the Lighthouse 3 and 4 fires. Overnight, OSFM crews provided protection from active fire to homes near the fires. There has been no loss to any homes or structures to date. There is potential for significant fire growth on some of the fires over the next couple of days. One new fire start was found last evening and added to the complex.

Challenges facing firefighters include steep terrain, limited road access, warm weather, heavy smoke and extremely dry conditions. Ten helicopters have been dropping water on the fires in support of ground forces, but heavy smoke and low visibility has limited use of fixed-wing aircraft. Crews will continue to support the local district with initial attack when requested. Weather over the fires is expected to remain in the high 70s to low 80s with light winds today with continued heavy smoke.

Firefighters and equipment will continue arriving today from around Oregon and nationally to support forces on the Complex, which is about 20 road miles NW of Roseburg. Two more Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces—one from Clatsop County this morning and one from Yamhill this afternoon—are expected to join the five already at the fire. They are focused on preparing structures to minimize fire risk.

A total of 73 residences are under Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders and 31 at Level 2 (Be Set). An estimated 125 people have evacuated from the Hubbard Creek Road area west of the town of Umpqua. Douglas County Emergency Management has worked with the Red Cross to set up a shelter for evacuees at the Oakland Elementary School at 499 NE Spruce Street in Oakland. To shelter livestock, contact Douglas County Fairgrounds at 541-957-7010. Companion pets can be sheltered at Saving Grace animal shelter in Roseburg. Evacuation areas remain unchanged. To view the current evacuation information map, go to www.dcso.com/evacuations

Community Meeting Scheduled: The Tyee Ridge Complex management teams will be holding a community meeting tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location: Roseburg Country Club, 5051 Garden Valley Road, Roseburg
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Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 1
Joe Hessel, Incident Commander
Red Team OSFM, Ian Yocum, Incident Commander

For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here – https://tinyurl.com/TyeeRidgeComplexAMupdate8-27

Kristine Godbey, Chair of Emergency Preparations Committee