Pearl Hill Fire reaches 38% containment as crews focus on rugged eastern flank

BRIDGEPORT — Firefighters continued gaining ground on the Pearl Hill Fire Monday, increasing containment to 38% while holding the fire at 8,058 acres southeast of Bridgeport. The wildfire, which started July 25, has shown little growth in recent days as crews shift from stopping its advance to strengthening containment lines and extinguishing remaining hotspots around its perimeter. The cause remains under investigation.

Much of the fire's western flank nearest Bridgeport has now been secured, allowing firefighters to focus on the more rugged eastern edge of the fire, where steep cliffs and limited access continue to make suppression work more difficult. A Type 1 helicopter supported crews Sunday by cooling areas that were difficult or unsafe to reach from the ground, while firefighters on Monday continued patrolling containment lines and mopping up hotspots. Their goal is to fully secure the fire's edge before weather conditions can test those lines.

Although little smoke may be visible from surrounding communities, incident managers cautioned that heat can remain hidden beneath the surface and within pockets of vegetation. Firefighters will continue checking the perimeter for lingering heat to ensure containment lines remain secure, with Douglas County Fire District 3 continuing to assist suppression efforts.

Monday's forecast calls for warm, dry and breezy weather, with afternoon wind gusts up to 25 mph, temperatures in the mid-80s and relative humidity between 19% and 24%. Those conditions could challenge containment lines as firefighters continue work on the eastern portion of the fire.

Level 2 evacuations remain in effect for areas near the fire. Residents are urged to stay prepared for changing conditions, follow directions from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and avoid the fire area so firefighters and emergency vehicles can operate safely.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media