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Firefighters made great progress Tuesday after the fire received good moisture on Monday and containment has increased to 51%. “We still have half the fire to get around but we’re feeling good about the safe, steady progress made by our firefighters,” said Chris Delaney, Incident Commander Trainee. The fire area did not get much rain on Tuesday but significant precipitation is possible over the fire this afternoon. As conditions allow, firefighters will be working on the fire’s edge to further increase containment and eliminate any further threat. A plane with an infrared camera has not been able to fly over the fire for the past two nights because of the weather so there is no updated acreage. The camera not only measures fire growth but also helps detect remaining hot spots. Some smoldering fuel, such as stumps and roots, is common, even after heavy rain. Renewed fire activity remains possible if the area dries out and there is no additional moisture. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-90’s all this week.

Because of the progress and favorable weather, some resources are beginning to be released from the fire. Two large, “heavy” helicopters and four crews were released at the end of the day Tuesday. This makes these valuable resources available to other fires or gives personnel a chance to return home for rest. Four smaller helicopters will continue to work out of a base at Gunlock Reservoir. Two excavators will start work on the southern part of the fire to help prevent erosion along the fire lines that were put in last week.