The large wildfire burning in southern Jefferson County is now 70% contained. Crews have been rushing to extend containment lines ahead of worsening weather conditions. Saturday's forecast calls for strong winds and high temperatures, a replay of the conditions that created Monday’s destructive inferno.
"The good news is, we’re prepared for it, as best we can be, in the time that we have," said Incident Commander Rich Harvey, "We’ve armored those lines, we’re going to have troops on the ground, ready to go, should something develop."
180 homes are still under evacuation orders. Sheriff's deputies have been escorting people in to check on their properties and collect valuables. The Red Cross shelter at West Jefferson Middle School has stopped housing evacuees and has become a disaster recovery center.
The search continued Friday for the one person missing in the fire. Crews combed another 150 acres near the woman’s home.
[Photo: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office]
