August 16, 2016
The Redwood Highway Fire is 100 percent contained.
The fire burned 54 acres since it started on August 12 in Selma along Redwood Highway. Firefighters still on scene will be returning home today.
The fire destroyed three homes, several outbuildings and prompted the evacuation of dozens, all whom have been allowed to return home, with the last evacuation notice lifted Saturday night.
As of Sunday morning, there were no longer any road closures in effect due to fire activity and all temporary flight restrictions in the area have been lifted.
The fire was fueled by hot temperatures, gusty winds and dry vegetation. These factors made for a quick-moving fire that was able to jump the highway in a matter of minutes.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District would like to thank all agencies in Josephine and Jackson Counties that assisted with the containment of this fire.
August 14, 2016
Very dry conditions in southwest Oregon’s forests and wildlands makes it necessary for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District to shut down public use of power-driven and spark-emitting internal combustion engines starting Monday, Aug. 15, at 8:00 a.m.
The pubic regulated use fire danger level will be “extreme” (red) but the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at 2 (two).
These regulations affect the 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Below are the public regulated use restrictions that take effect Monday:
- Chain saw use will be prohibited;
- Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment will be prohibited, except for the mowing of green lawns, or the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
- Cutting, grinding and welding of metal will be prohibited;
- The use of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine will be prohibited.
The following public regulated use restrictions are currently in effect and will remain in effect:
- Debris burning is prohibited;
- Burn barrel use is prohibited;
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads;
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed;
- Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles is prohibited, except on improved roads;
- Use of fireworks is prohibited;
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed be a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions;
- Use of exploding targets is prohibited;
- Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited;
- Use of sky lanterns is prohibited.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s public regulated use regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
August 13, 2016
The Redwood Highway Fire remains at 50 acres this evening and is 90 percent contained. Roadblocks on Deer Creek Road will be removed at 7:00 p.m. and the evacuation level for all areas around the burned area will drop to Level 1 (Ready) at the same time.
The fire started Friday afternoon in the community of Selma, located nine miles north of Cave Junction in southern Josephine County. The fire crossed Highway 199 near Ray’s Market in Selma and continued burning east of the highway. Three homes and several outbuildings were destroyed.
Today, fire crews extinguished hot spots all around the fire’s perimeter and a helicopter patrolled overhead watching for spot fires. Tonight, a 20-person supported by an engine and a water tender will continue mopping up and patrolling.
Wildland fire suppression crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry were aided today by engines and personnel from the Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire-Rescue and several private contractors.
The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Police continue their investigation into the cause of the Redwood Highway Fire.
August 13, 2016
On August 12, 2016, a fire near Selma broke out burning approximately 50 acres.
The Oregon State Police Arson Unit along with the Oregon Department of Forestry began an investigation. During the investigation, a Selma area transient was arrested on an unrelated warrant and lodged at the Josephine County Jail.
This person, Marcus A YEOMAN, age 35, quickly became the person of interest in the fire. The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Police Arson Unit’s investigation is finding that the fire was human-caused. On August 13, 2016 he was cited for Reckless Burning. This was after evidence revealed he had built a campfire which led to the wildland fire.
This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time.
August 13, 2016
Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters from the Medford Unit are working this morning to extinguish the 5-acre Twentymile Springs Fire near Milepost 20 on Hwy 66, east of Ashland near Tubb Springs Wayside. The fire was reported at 6:50 a.m. by Soda Mtn. Lookout.
One large (Type 1) helicopter, four engine crews and a bulldozer have been assigned to the fire. Greensprings Fire-Rescue firefighters and equipment are also assisting.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
