Middle Fork wildfire hits 17,869 then slows down

Mail Tribune

Medford, Oregon
September 23, 2008

The Middle Fork fire burning across Sky Lakes Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park and the Fremont-Winema National Forest has slowed to a crawl.

A Monday morning update on the 17,869-acre blaze described the fire as smoldering and creeping, with only single trees bursting into flame. Reconnaissance flights have adjusted the fire's estimated size, which has changed little since the 17,800 reported on Saturday.

Currently 1,081 people are assigned to the fire. Crews are building and reinforcing fire lines and mopping up areas the fire has moved through. The lightning-caused fire, which has burned since mid-August, was 28 percent contained as of early Monday. Firefighters estimate full containment by Oct. 15.