At approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to a grass fire burning near a home on Highway 227 and Rocky Road in Trail. The Rocky Road Fire was burning at a moderate rate of speed upslope in grass, brush and timber. Within two hours, crews were able to slow down the fire’s spread and get a fire line around 80 percent of the perimeter.
Tonight, the fire size is estimated at 15.2 acres and is 35 percent contained.
There was an initial threat to nearby homes along Rocky Road; however, with the help of the Rogue Valley Wildland Task Force 2 consisting of Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District 5, Jackson Fire District 3, Jackson County Fire District 4, Medford Fire-Rescue and Ashland Fire & Rescue, all structures were protected.
No public or firefighter injuries have been reported.
Crews will continue to work tonight constructing additional hand line, as well as strengthening fire line currently in place. Firefighters will also be monitoring for spot fires throughout the evening and tomorrow morning. Ground crews were able to quickly stop several spot fires this afternoon at 1/10th and 1/100th of an acre.
All road closures have been lifted, but please be cautious of increased fire traffic along Highway 227.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire management officials ask that the public continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. Current fire restrictions for lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District can be found at www.swofire.com.