Hwy 31 Wildfire Update

The fire is 100 percent contained.

Weather generally has cooperated, but fog idled most overnight SCFC
personnel.

Work is focused in the areas of Long Bay and Water Tower roads today.
Divisions C and D are particularly hot.

SCFC has begun to demobilize crews. Several will remain for mop-up and
fire line reinforcement as necessary.

Aerial drops have ceased. Reconnaissance flights by fixed-wing aircraft
will continue to be a daily part of operations.

Mop-up continues in all areas of the fire. This process is expected to
continue for several weeks and involves heavy equipment operated by men
and women whose visibility could be limited by their working
environment. These firefighters should be given a wide berth.

The burned area will continue to produce heat, smoke and flare-ups for
some time to come. Smoke and hotspots in burned out areas could be an
issue until autumn if rainfall this summer is scarce. Stump holes,
smoldering soil, and snags (dead trees which are still standing) should
be considered extremely dangerous to anyone on foot or operating motor
vehicles of any kind.

Smoke on roads will persist prompting road closures as needed.
Unnecessary travel should be avoided at night and early morning hours.
Heavy equipment will be in operation, avoid excessive speeds at all
times in all areas where the fire has burned.

Re-burns are possible among fuels which weren't entirely burned the
first time the fire moved through. For example, if a dead tree casts
its needles over peat which is still smoldering, a re-burn is possible.

Controlled vs. Contained: The fire is 100% contained, but will not be
labeled "controlled" until there is no longer any heat produced anywhere
inside the line.