Tiller, Ore — While good progress is being made, hundreds of structures are still threatened and that has firefighters taking special precautions should the flames spread.
Crews are making steady progress against the Stouts Fire, but at more than 20,000 acres they’re taking some extraordinary measures to preserve historic artifacts.
“You’re trying to cover up and holes that an ember could get into, and ignite,” said Battalion Chief Christina Clemons.
The original and historic Tiller Ranger Station, which holds unique relics from the depression era is now covered, everything but the chimney.
“Even got a sprinkler on top,” said Clemons.
That’s not tin foil you see.
“There’s a reflective layer on the outside then there’s another layer on the inside to disperse and keep heat away,” said Clemons.
This flame retardant material is designed to be the last line of defense for the historic cabin.
“Old pictures black and white photographs, poems the employees wrote about the Tiller ranger station,” said Clemons.
It’s Clemons’ and her team’s job to ensure historic landmarks like this and a nearby lookout station are kept safe.
“Rather than trying to pack it all up and ship it out we thought that wrapping it is going to be the most effective way to save it in case we have to all just bug out and leave,” said Clemons.
Especially as the Stouts Fire looms just over a nearby ridge. Amazingly the Stouts fire hasn’t burned any homes or structures. Firefighters say they want to keep it that way.
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