The Alexander Mountain Fire has reached 83% containment, with a total area of 9,668 acres affected. Highway 34 has fully reopened after being closed for over a week, and evacuation orders have been lifted or downgraded in the surrounding areas, although credentialing is still required for residents returning to certain communities. Fire crews are focusing on mopping up hotspots and restoring the natural state of the fire-affected areas, while maintaining a presence to ensure safety as residents return. The weather is expected to improve firefighting efforts, with cooler temperatures and rain forecasted, although the potential for flooding on burned hillsides remains a concern. Officials advise residents to monitor local alerts for updates on evacuations and safety measures. The U.S. Forest Service will take over management of the fire from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team by Friday morning.