There were strong winds over the fire Monday, Aug. 27, but the perimeter hasn’t changed. Firefighters saw minimal burning with only creeping and smoldering. However, the southern portion of the northeast side is difficult to contain due to the rough terrain.

Today, Tuesday, Aug. 28, crews will continue to secure and mop up within the fire line and further suppression repair everywhere except the northeast portion of the fire.

The lightning caused blaze started Aug. 12 and has burned in both California and Nevada. There are 694 firefighters and support people, four helicopters, 38 engines, 13 bulldozers, and 25 water tenders assigned to the Rush fire.

Chips Fire

Firefighters will once again be challenged by strong winds and low humidities

The Chips Fire is 73,193 acres and 71 percent contained. Full containment is estimated for Friday, Aug.31.

No new spot fires were identified which allowed firefighters to continue aggressive mop-up of control lines last night, Monday, Aug. 27.The fire area remained quiet in the cool evening hours as crews prepared for gusty afternoon and evening winds today.

A Red Flag warning is forecasted for this afternoon with sustained winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour and 35 mile per hour gusts over the fire area. Firefighters will increase patrol and grid work on the containment lines in the afternoon. Crews will also continue to deepen mop-up operations along the fire perimeter.

Because conditions were favorable for low intensity burns, firefighters took the opportunity to continue firing operations off of roads in the interior of the fire area. These actions ensure that fire inside the containment lines will not begin to move quickly and create a high intensity burn when pushed by afternoon winds.