The influence of the inversion which has persisted in the area the past few days began to minimize on Tuesday afternoon. This change in conditions allowed increased visibility;  aircraft assigned to the fire were able to fly and assist ground resources.

The Office of State Fire Marshal structural firefighters from Linn/Benton, Yamhill, Coos, Washington, Clackamas, and Lincoln/Polk counties continue to assess homes and prepare properties along Hwy 62 and support firefighting operations along Elk Creek Rd.

The same conditions that allowed the use of aircraft caused the fire to become more active in the Middle and Elk Creek areas. Lower humidity and higher temperatures pushed the fire to the Elk Creek Road and across Middle Creek. Firefighters worked throughout the night to locate and suppress spot fires. Burnout operations were also conducted to bring the fire down to the fire lines in a controlled manner.

A new Inciweb site will be created for the Miles Fire (including Miles, Columbus, Snow Shoe and Round Top Fires) The South Umpqua Complex and Sugar Pine Fire will no longer be updated on Inciweb.  For the latest information check: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6112/.

Community Meetings: The Unified Command IMTs will be hosting three community meetings in the area this week.

Wednesday, August 8: Tiller Rural Fire Protection District, 27598 Tiller Trail Highway, Tiller 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 9: Upper Rogue Community Center 22465 Highway 62, Shady Cove 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 10: Prospect Community Center, 305 Red Blanket Road, Prospect 6:30 p.m.