Skyline Ridge Complex Fire Threat Growing in Douglas County

The Skyline Ridge Complex Fires continue to burn.   The message to the community, posted from the Douglas County Sheriff’s office reads,  “IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE, DO NOT WAIT FOR OFFICIALS TO TELL YOU TO LEAVE .”    The Sheriff issued Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices to residents on Ferguson Creek, Moore Ranch and Devils Knob Roads yesterday. The fire’s about 14% contained. The complex has burned more than 2400 acres. Forecasters worry the flames could grow as the weather turns hotter and drier starting Tuesday and lasting through next weekend, with temperatures soaring to 100 and above.

The much larger Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon is nearing full containment after charring more than 413,000 acres. Fire officials say the blaze is now 96% contained. Firefighters have made significant progress building containment lines on the northeastern edge of the fire.

Meanwhile, two more fires started last week near the southwestern edge of the Bootleg Fire. The Walrus and Yainax fires were kept from growing with heavy work from helicopters. Firefighters have hose lines surrounding the fires to keep them from growing.

Among those pitching in is Oregon National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Martin Balakas.  He said, “In addition to the danger caused by the fire, after the fire there’s a whole bunch of stuff that’s just bad news. Big trucks and machines moving really fast through low visibility.  So our folks just stood in the way of safe areas, and danger areas, and helped keep folks in the right place.”