Cougar Peak Fire morning update for September 13, 2021.

Working to secure a perimeter line on the Cougar Peak Fire. An engine crew anchors to the road and applies water on the hillside. (Image: Inciweb)

Coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

COUGAR PEAK FIRE DETAILS

Cause:
Under investigation

Size:
86,282 Acres

Containment: 6%

Resources
Personnel: 787
Type 1 Hand Crews: 1
Type 2 IA Hand Crews: 2
Type 2 Hand Crews: 14
Camp Crews: 3
Helicopters: 8
Engines: 55
Dozers: 16
Tenders: 24
Masticator: 1

Location:
15 Miles NW of Lakeview

Date of Origin:
September 7, 2021
1:45 PM

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – Firefighters continue making progress lining 230 miles of fire perimeter. An increase in winds is anticipated over the next few days and are expected to test the completed dozer and handlines.

Today’s focus will be on the eastern and southern edges of the fire. Resources will continue building and reinforcing lines and extinguishing hot spots close to the fire’s edge. The southeast corner has been mopped up 25 feet into the interior. The southwest and northern perimeter of the fire has been prepped for burn out operations, weather and resources permitting, those operations will be conducted in locations where indirect line was previously constructed.

The heavy equipment group will be working the northwest side of the fire to build contingency lines. On the northeast side of the fire, plans are to burnout a small portion of a slop over near the existing dozer line. Nearly the entire east side of the fire has direct line in place. Fire crews have utilized a combination of dozer line, hand line, or roads to accomplish this objective. Eight crews have been assigned to the eastern flank to mop up and further secure the line. Air resources will coordinate with firefighters to utilize water drops when flare ups occur, or fire threatens the perimeter.

Four task forces, consisting of 16 engines and four water tenders, from the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal will continue mop-up efforts and help secure lines along the fire’s edge. Teams will also continue patrolling and assisting fire crews where needed, with emphasis on preserving grasslands critical to local livestock operations.

A spike camp will be established near Paisley to support the efforts on the western side of the fire and reduce travel time.

Behavior
Moderate fire behavior is anticipated as temperatures and winds increase throughout the week. Unburned fuels within the fire perimeter are expected to dry out and will have a higher likelihood of burning. Larger pockets of fuel could produce visible smoke

Weather
A light north wind is expected today. Temperatures will be 65-70 degrees on the ridgetops with a relative humidity of 22- 28%. A progressively dry air mass will move into the area this evening resulting in poor humidity recovery. The north wind will aid in pushing thicker smoke to the south with improving visibility during the afternoon, possibly settling into the area tonight.

Evacuations
For the latest evacuation orders and map, click here.

Cougar Peak Fire Infrared Map, for September 13, 2021. Click to enlarge.

Additional Information

Klamath Falls News & Cascade Firewatch’s coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

Ace Towing offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, collision towing, jump starts, lockouts, fuel, and tire changes. They also make automotive keys and program fobs too. 541-884-9388.

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