Weather Conditions Continue To Challenge Fire Crews In Southwest Oregon

A fire in southwest Oregon has burned more than 1400 acres. About 240 people are battling the blaze, which is zero percent contained. KLCC's Rachael McDonald reports.

The Willliams Creek Fire is near a popular flyfishing section of the North Umpqua River. Fire information officer Pam Sichting says weather conditions continue to challenge fire-fighting efforts.

Pam Sichting: “It is still very hot and very dry and we're expecting isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. We've got those isolated fuels out on the ground are very dry and we just have the effects from the wind and that slope. It can produce very rapid fire growth.”

Sichting says heavy smoke grounded helicopters and air tankers temporarily Wednesday night. She says aerial support is key because the terrain is rough and access to the area is limited.

The fire is burning 15 miles from the small town of Glide east of Roseburg.

No evacuations have been ordered, but a section of Highway 138 is closed as well as three campgrounds and some forest roads and trails.

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