07-31-2019, 11:22 AM
Daily Courier staff report
WILLIAMS — Firefighters and bulldozer operators were able to get a line nearly around the Panther Gulch Fire that broke out Tuesday evening, keeping it at 50 acres and avoiding a second major fire in Southwest Oregon.
This morning, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported today’s goal is to hold lines and contain the fire, just south of Williams off of East Fork Road.
Firefighters unleashed a heavy assault Tuesday night, as the DC-7 Tanker 62 from Medford made two drops of 3,000 gallons of retardant, and four single-engine air tankers made multiple drops with 700 to 750 gallons.
Air attack was expected to resume today, with four helicopters, the SEATs and Tanker 62, if necessary. Four 20-person hand crews are on scene, along with engine crews.
Applegate Valley Fire and Williams Fire departments assisted.
Conditions this morning are favorable to stop the fire, with light winds and cool temperatures, ODF said.
WILLIAMS — Firefighters and bulldozer operators were able to get a line nearly around the Panther Gulch Fire that broke out Tuesday evening, keeping it at 50 acres and avoiding a second major fire in Southwest Oregon.
This morning, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported today’s goal is to hold lines and contain the fire, just south of Williams off of East Fork Road.
Firefighters unleashed a heavy assault Tuesday night, as the DC-7 Tanker 62 from Medford made two drops of 3,000 gallons of retardant, and four single-engine air tankers made multiple drops with 700 to 750 gallons.
Air attack was expected to resume today, with four helicopters, the SEATs and Tanker 62, if necessary. Four 20-person hand crews are on scene, along with engine crews.
Applegate Valley Fire and Williams Fire departments assisted.
Conditions this morning are favorable to stop the fire, with light winds and cool temperatures, ODF said.