August 24, 2018
Ramsey Canyon Fire p.m. update August 24, 2018
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,329 acres
Containment: 17%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 315
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
The heavy smoke that previously hampered air operations on the Ramsey Canyon Fire lifted earlier this afternoon, allowing fire managers to make good use of aviation resources to help keep the fire in check. Four helicopters cooled the fire with bucket drops and a three air tankers reinforced containment lines with targeted retardant drops.
Fire control lines in northern, eastern and southern parts of the fire were holding well. Mop up operations have begun in some parts of the fire.
While the clearer air allowed greater use of aviation resources, it also led to an uptick in fire behavior. On the northwest side of the fire, south of Evans Creek Road, afternoon winds and sunlight on the fire drove increased fire behavior. The fire backed erratically down toward the road, leaving unburnt sections that could pose problems later.
This evening fire crews are conducting burn out operations on the slope above Evans Creek Road to reduce unburned fuel and decrease the chance of an unplanned uphill run.
Tonight, Oregon State Fire Marshal will have two structure protection task forces supporting the wildland crews and protecting homes. Tomorrow, four structure protection task forces will be protecting homes around the fire’s perimeter.
Tonight’s weather will bring higher humidity recovery which will aid the ongoing burnout operations. Winds of 10-12 miles per hour with gusts up to 18 will test the fire line.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-1455.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to include 13001 and 14738 (accessed off of BLM 35-2-20) and continuing to the Meadows Rd. intersection; Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address 15513 and ending at 16995, and beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 45
Water Tenders: 12
Helicopters: 8+
Hand Crews: 26
Dozers: 9
Total Personnel: 795
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
August 24, 2018
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,329 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 315
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
The Ramsey Canyon Fire was active early in the evening with fire activity on the south-east corner and in the north. On the north side, the fire continues to back down the ridge toward Evans Creek along East Evans Creek Road. It is currently staying at the creek and has not crossed East Evans Creek Road.
The south side of the fire is down to Ramsey Road and is holding. The fire is expected be active on the south side near the intersection of Ramsey Road and Ramsey Canyon Road and is expected to hold there.
The north side of the fire is in steep, rugged terrain and is slowly moving to the north. The Oregon State Fire Marshal will have two structure protection task forces working in the homes to the north of the fire. There will also be two task forces working on the east side of the fire assessing and protecting homes there.
The cooler weather will help firefighting efforts today. Temperatures will be in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s and relative humidity will be in the 25-30% range. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, with similar winds in the 11-14 mph range late in the after-noon. This will cause fire activity to increase at that time.
Yesterday, smoke over regional airports prevented air tankers from working on the fire. Helicopters will continue to work the fire as conditions permit. If the smoke clears at the regional airport air tankers will assist in firefighting efforts.
Acreage is updated from the first infrared flight over the fire.
There are Level 2, Get Set, and Level 3, Go!, evacuations around the fire area. For detailed evacuation areas go to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office evacuation refer to the interactive map to check a specific address: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-1455.
There will be a public meeting tonight, August 24th at 6PM at Hanby Middle School in the gymnasium. The public is invited to attend to get the latest fire information from the Incident Management Teams.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to the Meadows Rd. intersection. Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 38
Water Tenders: 17
Helicopters: 5+
Hand Crews: 14
Dozers: 11
Total Personnel: 631
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
