Oregon Public Broadcasting

Crews working on a series of fires around Oregon say the weather is mostly on their side.

The Royce Butte Fire, south of Bend near Odell Lake, forced the evacuation more than 100 people and closed a nine-mile stretch of Highway 58.

Originally the fire was growing quickly, and estimated at close to 1000 acres.

But now officials say the fire is much smaller -- about 400 acres.

Cooler weather conditions overnight helped.

Tom Knappenberger is a spokesman for regional firefighting efforts, at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

Tom Knappenberger: “Evacuations are still in place, but things look very good there. We feel like we’re getting a good handle on it, and state officials will be talking later today about lowering the evacuation levels, and perhaps being able to open Highway 58.”

Meanwhile, other fires near Mount Hood and Roseburg frustrated firefighters.

Reports said the Gnarl Ridge Fire on the east side of Mount Hood seemed completely out – but it flared up again Wednesday.

The Rattle Fire, east of Roseburg, continues to grow – it's now at 11,000 acres.

Firefighters say they’re wary of thunderstorms predicted for the weekend -- though they say, the reports include the possibility of rain -- which they'd welcome.