News

Firefighters plan a 2½-acre 'burnout' to reinforce fire line

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 9, 2023

Firefighters plan a 2½-acre "burnout" this afternoon in order to eliminate unburned vegetation along Kyles Creek Road, a strategy aimed at reinforcing the fire line.

"We identified an area where the fire did not burn all the way to fire line we put in," said Forest Service Operations Chief David LaFon. "That unburned can be susceptible to catching fire and throwing embers if we do not handle it. The plan for a burnout of the green vegetation is the best and safest course of actionfor our firefighters and the citizens living in this area. Once the burn is completed the fire line in this section will be better reinforced to keep the fire footprint in place."

The 431-acre fire in the Kyle's Creek remains 15 percent contained. One home, two cabins and two outbuildings have been lost, while another home sustained damage. Area homes remain threatened, and Forest Service personnel, county fire departments and sheriff’s deputies are continually assessing the needs of those structures. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and both were treated and released. One minor motor vehicle accident has been reported with no injuries.