Canyonville, Ore. – Firefighters continued to deal with extreme weather conditions on the Stouts Fire yesterday, as high temperatures, low humidity, and low fuel moisture combined for a difficult day. Wind gusts of 10-20 miles per hour and temperatures over 100 degrees were observed. Growing to over 15,000 acres, the fire pushed east and turned northeast on Saturday. An additional level 2 evacuation notice was issued to the Drew area east of the fire.
“You’ve heard it already – ‘bring your A-game,'” Incident Commander John Buckman reiterated to the
crews at a Saturday evening briefing. “You’re going to need it for at least a few solid days for us to get well-positioned. This is a tough fire and we’ll be at it for a while.”
Two of the three day shift structure protection task forces continued to work in the Upper Cow Creek
evacuation area yesterday in anticipation of the fire reaching that area.
Sunday’s forecast of possible lightning could complicate this already difficult fire. About 400 structural and wildland firefighters are working the day shift with landowners and companies, while another 400 are scheduled for the night shift. A community meeting in Azalea on Saturday night drew an audience of 177 people. Another public meeting is being held at the Milo Fire Department tonight at 6:30 pm.
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