The Cougar Creek Fire burning southwest of Clarkston has now grown to more than 12,000 acres and remains 23 percent contained.
Protection of values to the southwest and northeast edge of the fire continue to be the highest priority for recent operations. Exceptionally dry and hot conditions along with steep terrain make it challenging for fire crews to directly engage the fire in some areas. Firefighters continue to engage the blaze directly and shift to indirect line construction when direct tactics are not effective.
Officials say the blaze is expected to grow into the Umatilla National Forest, and crews are working on containment lines that take advantage of natural barriers and existing roads.
