The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District has completed a smooth transition with Florida Forest Services Red Team and is now assuming command of the Garner Complex, effective immediately. While this does mean that some out-of-area resources are leaving to other fires that require more assistance, this does not mean that all resources will be removed from the fire lines within the complex. Approximately 200 firefighters and additional personnel will continue gridding the landscape for hot spots on the 7,816 acre Grave Creek, 836 acre Pleasant Creek, 228 acre Spencer Creek, and 6 acre King Mountain Fires. The entire complex remains sized at 8,886 acres and is now 87 percent contained. Crews will not leave the fires until reaching full containment. In addition, rehabilitation projects to protect the landscape against undue erosion and invasive plants will continue. All of the communities surrounding the Garner Complex will remain at a Level One, “Be Ready,” evacuation notice until mop up operations are complete and the Sheriff’s Office deems there to be no lingering threats due to fire activity. However, it is important to remember that ODF Southwest always encourages that every single member of the public is at a “Be Ready” standpoint the entirety of fire season. This will be the final news release for this complex, unless a significant event prompts otherwise. The Garner Complex 2018 Facebook Page, and corresponding Inciweb page will be removed within 48 hours, and all future updates and inquiries are asked to be made through the local ODF Southwest Oregon District Facebook Page and our unit offices. We, at the District, are thankful for all of our fire family that came to help us in our time of need. The tremendous efforts and support of all firefighters across the country helped to make this an efficient and successful firefight. Fire officials ask that the public continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com.
