The Rail fire near Unity continues to expand to the south while patrols and mop-up operations continue on the northern edge of the blaze. The fire is now 32,840 acres and 47 percent contained, according to a Thursday update from the management team.

Aerial supports intends to drop ping-pong ball sized ignition devices to back burn areas in the fire’s path. The plastic spherical devices being used are filled with combustible chemicals that ignite when dropped.

Wind has hindered some burnout operations, but in other areas protected from the wind they have continued. Though suppression is the immediate focus, some crews have begun necessary rehabilitation efforts in burned areas along the northern part of the fire

The fire is now staffed by 872 people: 25 crews, 41 engines, seven dozers, 31 water tender, four masticators, five skidders and seven helicopters.

For more information, call 541-446-3592 or email Railwildfire@gmail.com.

A detailed map of road closures can be seen at: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/4914/2/57397.

Fire restrictions for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest are posted at fs.usda.gov/detail/Wallowa-Whitman/home/?cid=stelprd3848683. Restriction information for the Malheur National Forest is posted at fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/home/?cid=fsbdev3_033802.