Preparation of firelines on both fires is nearly complete. The safest, most effective and ecologically beneficial way to contain these fires is by using ignitions. Using fire to reduce overgrown forests will also provide future protection from wildfires that may be more difficult to suppress. Aerial and hand ignitions are expected to begin on Sunday, Sept. 8 for both the West and Preacher fires. Ignitions will happen in a strategic way to reduce smoke impacts, ease the fire to the containment lines and achieve desirable ecological outcomes. On the West Fire, ignitions are anticipated to...