Ferris Fire Complex Grows to 5,800+ Acres With No Containment
High winds and a National Weather Service 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' red-flag warning are limiting safe ground attack and may prevent effective aircraft operations.
Overview
- Multiple lightning-ignited fires that started June 27 have merged into the Ferris Fire and the incident is being managed by San Juan Team 8 as a Type 3 response.
- Incident reports place the merged complex at about 5,813 acres with 0% containment and mapping updates are delayed until aircraft can safely complete infrared flights.
- An area closure is in effect around the Glade/Narraguinnep Canyon area and mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Bradfield and access points along Highway 504 to McPhee Dam.
- Fire managers have assigned engines, crews, air attack, a Type 1 helicopter and large air tankers and have additional resources on order but face nationwide competition for aviation and mapping assets.
- Homes, Forest Service structures and local permittees’ livestock and equipment are at risk, and continued extreme fire behavior driven by drought and high winds raises the likelihood of further rapid spread.