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Bootleg Fire could continue to burn until late fall, early winter, officials say


Big bear interagency hotshot crew Credit Mike McMillan USFS.jpg
Big bear interagency hotshot crew Credit Mike McMillan USFS.jpg
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Officials don’t expect the Bootleg Fire to fully burn out until fall or early winter.

The wildfire burning in southern Oregon has burned 413,762 acres (647 square miles) so far and is 84% contained. Officials believe the wildfire was caused by lightning.

Firefighters said dozers are continuing to make the fire line stronger on the east side of the fire, which has improved the fire's containment.

Officials said even though progress has been made and fire advisors are confident in the containment measures, large fires like this do not usually burn out until late fall or early winter. That is when there is more rain and cooler temperatures.

It was a similar situation last Septemeber, when several wildfires were expected to continue into the winter as well.

PAST UPDATE | Containment on Bootleg Fire jumps to 74% with help of cloud cover, light rain

Officials said there will be isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Monday.

However, over the next few days, fire crews said temperatures will increase, humidity will decrease, and winds will pick up, creating critical fire weather conditions.

MORE | Early start to Oregon fire season makes for stark comparison to last summer

Evacuation levels are still considered “dynamic”. You can find the interactive evacuation map below:


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