Crews respond to calls of service, maintain control lines: Dixie Fire 90 percent contained

Reports of smoke continue but the Dixie Fire is 90 percent contained Monday, Sept. 20. The fire has burned 963,195 acres.

Higher humidity levels and cooler temperatures have had a dampening effect on fire activity, though forest fuels will begin to dry out and create the potential for more smoldering and smoke interior to containment lines. Expect a return to drier conditions as temperatures warm and winds shift from south to north.

Yesterday, there was minimal fire activity with some reports of smoke, particularly near Taylorsville, California Highway 395 near Milford and the Devils’ Punchbowl area. Those areas — all within the interior of the fire — are being monitored and mopped up. Crews responded to six calls for service overnight but there were no threats to containment lines or any structures.

Today, firefighters will direct focus on securing the steep and rugged terrain in the Devil’s Punchbowl area, as well as maintaining patrols throughout the fire perimeter and mopping up lines.

Firefighters continue to backhaul equipment off the line at areas of lowest risk for fire activity and focus on fire suppression repair. Fire suppression repair is actions taken to mitigate damages and minimize potential soil erosion. Repair includes removing hazard trees and repairing the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones and drop points used during fire suppression efforts.