August 8, 2015
Around 1:30 PM, Illinois Valley Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and US Forest Service responded to a reported grass fire located in the 100 block Krauss Lane. Upon arrival, units reported the fire to be 2-4 acres with immediate structural threat. Command requested a second alarm that requested Rural Metro Fire resources as well as other agencies. Both Rogue Valley Task Force 1 and 2 were activated and requested to the scene as the fire continued its forward rate of spread. ODF requested helicopters and tankers to the fire to stop the forward rate spread of the fire. At times we have had 6 helicopters actively working the fire as well as 3 air tankers. There are numerous resources on scene. We have an information table setup at Shop Smart located at 205 West Watkins that has maps of the currents areas of evacuation and current updated information. The fire acreage is currently at 40 acres.
At this time, all evacuations have been lifted and the Red Cross shelter is closing. For continued updates, please call 541-592-2225.
August 8, 2015
The Krauss Lane Fire is currently a fire burning near Cave Junction. The fire originated on the south side of the river in Cave Junction. The fire has recently jumped the river and has grown to 25 acres in size. Josephine County Emergency Services and Oregon Department of Forestry have issued a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation order for all Patton Bar Road, Ken Rose, Ivy Road, Logan Cut, Simmons Cuts Road, Mesa Verde, Fernwood, and White Oak residents in Cave Junction. All residents are urged to evacuate immediately. There may be no time for further warning.
There are currently four air tankers, three dozers, 35 engines, four hand crews, two water tenders and multiple Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 aircraft on scene.
A LEVEL 3 evacuation means that you need to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
There is an information line set up Illinois Valley, you can reach it at 541-592-2225.
August 8, 2015
Friday’s night crews continued to make significant progress on the Stouts Creek Fire with several areas of the fire in the mop up stages and containment increasing to 30%. Now at 21,858 acres, the fire remains active on the northeast and southeast edges of the perimeter and residents can expect to see smoke and possibly flames on the ridge above Tiller-Trail Highway.
Helicopters will continue to be visible along the South Umpqua River as they work on hot spots and in support of fire fighting activities. Residents¬¬ also might see air tankers working in addition to the helicopters depending on the fire activity level. Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution if they encounter smoke on roadways. Treat it as you would fog and turn on your headlights. We encourage those wanting to stop along the road to watch the firefighting efforts to continue moving in order to maintain traffic flow along the roadway.
The Upper Cow Creek Road and Milo area, as well as a small area along the Tiller-Trail Highway north of Trail in Jackson County, are under a Level 1 (Ready) evacuation alert. Drew (milepost 28 to 39) remains at Level 2 (Set).
Structure protection resources and the OSFM Green Team personnel demobilized today after determining that protection benchmarks were met. Mitigation efforts included creating defensible space around threatened homes, fuel chipping, strategic placement of portable water tanks and pumps and placement of sprinkler kits where necessary. Fire managers also ensured that a structure protection plan is in place for both the assigned wildland resources and county fire agencies. Two structure task forces from Douglas County are available if needed.
More than 1,500 personnel are assigned to the fire suppression effort. The cost of suppression so far is $12.1 million.
The Stouts Creek Fire is burning on private timberlands, other tracts of private land, Bureau of Land Management and Umpqua National Forest lands.
The Stouts Creek Fire is being managed cooperatively by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service. Wildland fire suppression direction is coming from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1.
