Mop-up operations on the Holiday Farm Fire are incorporating roughly a thousand firefighters from 18 states and Canada. It’s all part of a coordinated push to contain the fire as the weather stays cool and rainy.
About a dozen firefighters with the Oregon Air National Guard are dousing charred stumps in an area north of Vida. They also use tools called pulaskis to dig up or break apart roots that can feed heat underground, eventually sparking new fires if left alone.
Captain Miles Dodge of Crew 72 oversees the operation.
“We are mopping up a hot spot that’s at the base of this burnt-out trunk. The member down there right now is feeling for the significantly hot places with the back of his hands, so he doesn’t injure his hand," explained Dodge.
"And then we have a bladder bag here with some water to cool it down if it gets too hot.”
More and more residents are being allowed back home this week. Though many are warned to be cautious of damaged trees that could fall and injure people.
Copyright 2020, KLCC.
