As of the last reports at 8:00pm Friday evening September 18th, the the Happy Camp/Slater Fire had consumed another 3,605 acres totaling 146,698 acres and crews had gained containment making the blaze now 13% contained.The Devil Fire which had burned a reported 6,907 acres as of Thursday added another 237 acres Friday consuming now a total of 7,144 acres. The Devil Fire also sat at 0% containment since it was detected on Thursday, September 9th, however crews have gained 7% containment as of the latest reports Friday evening at 8:00pm.
Based on weather forecast expectations and successful firefighting operations Friday afternoon, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reduced a current Level 3 “GO” Evacuation Zone to Level 2 “BE SET” along US Hwy 199 from 37265 Redwood Hwy 199 just north of the California/Oregon border to Gene Brown Rd. just outside O’Brien including Arrowhead Dr, and Leuizenger Ck/NF-9938 Rd. Addresses greater than 37265 Redwood Hwy 199 remain in a Level 3 “GO” evacuation status.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal has 11 structural task forces assigned to the Slater Fire with a primary mission to protect citizens, their property, and the environment from fire. These structural task forces are working in conjunction with wildland crews that make up the 1,285 fire personnel consisting of 18 crews, 123 engines, 31 dozers, 28 water tenders, and 8 helicopters.
Structure protection activity continues from Knopki Road to the town of Gasquet as crews work to hold the fire at Knopki Road to protect the town of Gasquet and complete operations to secure the fire edge at the intersection of Highway 199 and Knopki Road.
Fire crews continued to implement direct and indirect fire strategies, completing dozer line from Monkey Ridge to Highway 199. Isolated pockets of fuel continue to burn while crews worked to ensure that private properties in Thompson Creek are protected as the Slater Fire backs down in that drainage.
Along the Happy Camp/Slater Fire’s west flank, there has been very little growth in the past several days. With increased visibility, air operations may be better able to assist firefighters on the ground today.
The Devil Fire continued to hold along its eastern edge at the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews are working ridges just off the northeastern edge of the fire to meet crews working in the north zone. They have worked up the east edge of the fire and are looking for a way to hook the fire across the north side of the Devil Fire.
Progress continues by CalTrans crews working on road hazards and debris removal, however, Highway 199 continues to remain closed north of Gasquet from Panther Flat to the California/Oregon state line and from O’Brien south across the stateline into California.
