The Cougar Creek Fire burning southwest of Clarkston has grown to nearly 11,000 acres and remains 23 percent contained.
To protect the multiple values at risk, including homes, ranches, and timberland, some fire crews have been working night shifts to take advantage of slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels.
Due to extreme terrain in some areas, fire crews are not able to directly engage, or attack the fire. In those cases, they build “in-direct” lines ahead of the advancing fire in efforts to reduce fuel as the fire approaches.
An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is being utilized in the fire area to assist firefighters with infrared and mapping. Air operations continue to drop retardant and water to limit the progression of the fire and to secure the area around Grouse Flats.
