Firing operations were successful in the southeast corner of the fire yesterday. Crews were able to construct fireline down to the old Eagle Creek burn scar and connect to established control lines in the northeast part of the fire.

Thunderstorms early yesterday morning brought isolated rainfall and lightning with no new fire starts detected near the Whisky Creek Fire. Firing operations were attempted in the northeast corner of the fire, but conditions on the ground were not receptive to fire.

Fire activity increased yesterday as the relative humidity dropped and dead fuels continued to dry out and become more available for ignition. Smoke was visible from the local communities, which will continue to see an increase in smoke production, despite early morning rain, as drier and warmer temperatures continue over the region.

Hot and dry weather yesterday further dried out forest floor fuels and led to a slight increase in fire activity. A helicopter was used to drop water along the northern edge of the fire to mitigate any potential flare-ups along the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire area while crews continued work on containment lines to the south.

Crews took advantage of a break in fire activity brought on by cool, wet weather to continue work on contingency lines across the area south of the fire. Fire activity is expected to increase in the next few days as hot and dry conditions return to the area. Forest visitors are reminded to stay out of closure areas to allow crews to safely prepare protective barriers to the surrounding forest and local communities.