Still burning and only partially controlled, The Mill Flat Fire has now burned over 10,000 acres. Although the evacuation has been lifted, the fire still threatens 550 residences and 58 commercial properties.  There are over 700 ground personnel deployed including four hot shot crews, seven type two crews, 4 helicopters, 30 fire engines, 2 dozers and five water tenders.  They mean business!

A community meeting tonight led by Rowdy Muir, East Zone Fire Management, Ashley National Forest at the New Harmony Fire department answered questions from a full house of home owners in the area.  The objective is to get  a line around the fire, put it out and go home.  He said it may take 10 to 12 days. As it is the only category 1 fire other than the California fires, they have lots of resources. He also said that homeowners could return to their normal business and not to worry unless the fire jumps the fire lines, which he does not believe it will.  We can all sleep soundly tonight.

Sharron Grodzinsky