The Williams Flats Fire has now scorched more than 34,000 acres as residents of about two dozen homes remain under mandatory evacuation notices.
The blaze is about 25 percent contained and no structures have burned, according to fire officials. Fire activity was so intense on the northeast edge of the fire Wednesday that firefighters had to disengage for safety reasons.
The fire pushed east and northeast overnight, burning down to the Ninemile-Hellgate Road near the Three Mile Creek area and into the upper headwaters of the Little Ninemile and Six Mile creeks. A structure protection group worked through the night around several residences nearest to the blaze.
“Today, firefighters will continue to fight fire safely and aggressively while being assisted by very large air tanker retardant drops, Fire Boss scooper planes dropping water, and helicopter water drops,” fire officials stated.
About 900 personnel are now assigned to the fire, with additional resources continuing to arrive.