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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... Flaming ping-pong balls to be dropped inside Stouts Creek fire Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 22, 2015 at 10:29 AM Updated Aug 22, 2015 at 10:42 AM Posted Aug. 22, 2015 at 10:29 AM Updated Aug 22, 2015 at 10:42 AM » Social News "With the perimeter of the Stouts Creek fire ringed in black, crews are focused on completing firing operations and strengthening control lines," according to an update issued this morning by fire officials battling the 26,000-acre Stouts Creek fire in Douglas County. On the south end of the fire, near Drew Creek, helicopters will drop flaming ping-pong balls to ignite unburnt fuels in remote areas to try and keep the fire in check. These aerial ignitions should produce some smoke visible from the Upper Cow Creek area, according to a fire agency press release. Crews working the 51-mile perimeter of the fire are deepening mop-up operations, which presents a new array of hazards, said Incident Commander Chris Cline. “We are predicting a shift in wind direction that could cause new flare ups or new snags to fall,” said Cline. Around the region, 31 large fire are burning uncontained, and fire managers hope to free up some resources from the Stouts Creek fire soon to use on those other blazes. “Let’s button this fire up, get everyone home safely and ready for the next assignment. There’s a lot of fire out there, and a lot of people who need your help,” Cline told firefighters. A Level 2 Evacuation notice (Get Set) remains in place for residents on Upper Cow Creek Road east of Devils Flat to the end of the road. This precautionary measure is because of high temperatures and low humidity that could cause increased fire behavior. Evacuation levels for all other areas nearby remain at Level 1 (Get Ready). The Stouts Creek fire has blackened 26,208 acres and is estimated at 82 percent containment, but it still has the potential for rapid growth, fire officials warned. A contingency plan to protect structures on Upper Cow Creek is in place and will be activated if needed. There are 764 people assigned to the fire, with 11 crews, 20 engines, 24 water tenders, 14 bulldozers and six helicopters. To date, the Stouts Creek fire has cost $33.8 million. About 46 percent of the fire is on state-protected lands, including BLM and private lands and 54 percent on the Umpqua National Forest. The fire was caused by someone mowing grass during restricted hours. — From staff reports MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 22, 2015 at 10:29 AM Updated Aug 22, 2015 at 10:42 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501