5/15 The fire is at 7,052 acres with no containment to report. High winds once again fueled extreme fire behavior with gusts reported up to 45 mph today. More than 400 personnel are assigned to the incident including, hotshot crews, hand crews, engines, water tenders, dozers, and helicopters. Today, water scoopers were utilized to help with suppression efforts on the south side. The scoopers worked for a few hours today to assist boots on the ground.
The wind-driven fire pushed out to the east today and jumped SR 261. With that, a GO notification was initiated for residents south of SR 260 and West of River Road. In addition, a SET notification was initiated for all Eagar residents south of SR 260 and between River Road and the SR 260/180 junction. SR 260 is closed in both directions near Greer. SR 261 is closed from SR 260 to the Point of Pine Mountain.
The fire continues to be fueled by high winds, drought-stricken fuels along with terrain challenges. The fire pushed into the Wallow Fire scar moving through grasses and dead and downed. The established anchor point at the heel of the fire in Greer was monitored through the day and operations reports that it is holding. On the northeast side of the fire, crews picked up a small slop over with hand line and put it in check.
Crews remain engaged throughout the day actively working to get hand and dozer line established across the fire. The fire continues to see active burn periods through the night. Tonight 45 mph winds are expected over the fire area. Winds are expected to decrease slightly tomorrow.
A Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team will take command of the fire Thursday at 6am.
