After 11 days of arduous labor, firefighters have accomplished 55% containment in the McKinney Fire and have constructed initial line around the entire 80-mile fire perimeter.
The next step for fire personnel is to continue to maintain this line by aggressive and thorough mop-up with the intention to gain depth and keep the fire in its existing footprint. Crews continue to patrol and evaluate alternate lines, should the firefighters experience rolling burning material or any spot fires that could challenge their primary line. Fire crews along Scotts Bar and Oak Knoll are starting to assess contingency lines for repair.
Anticipate high temperatures, reaching up to 100 degrees, in the lower elevations and high 80s in higher elevations. Conditions are expected to be dry with the relative humidity reading 7-8%. Winds from the south / southwest could produce gusts up to 35 mph in high elevations. Large dust devils have been observed and are a hazard to look out for on the fireline from the unstable atmosphere. The fire remains in a red flag warning, keeping fire personnel on high alert for any other initial attacks in the area.
There are currently 3,528 personnel working the McKinney Fire. The fire has grown to 60,389 acres and has 55% containment. The cause is still under investigation.
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