August 25, 2018
Ramsey Canyon Fire 08/25/18 AM update
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: 1,861 acres
Containment: 17%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 498
Structures Destroyed: 1
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
Last night, crews successfully completed burnout operations on the northwestern portions of the fire. Wildland and structure firefighters worked side by side to bring the fire down to control lines just behind the structures on East Evans Creek Road. The burnout operations added several hundred acres to the fire’s size and significantly increased the ability of control lines to stop the fire’s spread.
“It was a pivotal day. Yesterday, we were we able to build a fire line and hold it—which has been a very rare occasion this summer,” said Joe Hessel, ODF IMT 2 Incident Commander. “Our mission is to keep the fire behind the homes. I’m asking our firefighters to work really hard today to hold and secure these lines before the warm weather hits.”
Last night’s primary mission was to put fire on the ground in a safe and controlled manner. Today’s objective is to hold it. Holding operations today will include strengthening control lines where needed, burning any unburned pockets of fuel near containment lines, and watching for rolling debris and other material that may bring fire across control lines.
Fire crews will begin bringing water to the fire (aka “plumbing the fire) to support mop up and suppression operations. Structure crews from Oregon State Fire Marshall will be supporting wildland crews and providing ongoing structure protection.
Additionally, equipment operators will open strategic roads outside of the fire’s perimeter to use as contingency control lines.
The inversion moderating fire behavior will lift this afternoon, causing an increase in fire behavior. Winds of 10-12 miles per hour with gusts up to 15 will test the fire lines.
The fire burned one outbuilding on August 22, 2018 during initial attack.
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: 21
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
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
August 23, 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: 1,500 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: N/A
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Current Situation:
The Ramsey Canyon Fire was active on the north edge and southeast today. In the southeast corner, northwest winds pushed it into dry fuels. The fire also bumped up against Ramsey road, but has not crossed it. Air operations are focusing in these areas to help in firefighting efforts. Smoke over the fire prevented heavy aircraft to make retardant drops. But helicopters were active over the fire the entire day.
The north side of the fire backed down to East Evans Creek Road where it is along the road, but has not crossed it. Fire crews will work overnight to secure the line in this area. Overall, the fire is 30% lined with direct line and 30% lined with indirect line. Some of these lines are plumbed and secured.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal Team will be doing assessment and protection of homes in the evacuation areas. They will be working overnight and through the day with four task forces during day shift and two task forces working night shift.
The smoke is expected to lift when winds show up in the late afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to be sustained between 11– 14 mph with gusts up to 22 mph. These conditions will increase fire activity across the fire with some crowning and spotting expected. Overnight the wind will drop to 2-4 mph when temperatures drop into the 50’s and relative humidity will be in the 80’s, which will help crews working throughout the night to build and strengthen lines.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525.
There will be a public meeting tomorrow, 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.
Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 took over control of the Ramsey Canyon Fire as of 1400 today. They are in unified command with Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Green Team.
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.
A temporary shelter for livestock is being organized at the Jackson County Expo. Please contact Linda Bacon at (541)226-1124, or Expo staff at (541)821-8406, if you need to make use of this resource.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
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 23, 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
Fire Size: 800 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: N/A
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 211
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
Overnight, firefighters were able to complete a combination of dozer line and hand line around roughly 30-percent of the Ramsey Canyon Fire’s perimeter. Spot fires continued to be an issue overnight due to the dense landscape and steep terrain.
Structural task forces stayed out all night protecting homes and making assessments for any potential changes in evacuation levels. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will remain the source for accurate and timely notification releases.
Today’s weather forecast includes a chance of gusty winds similar to yesterday evening. Ridgetops and canyons can reach up to 20-25 mph if conditions come to fruition. If fire activity allows, we hope to get a more accurate size of the fire mapped via ground GPS tools.
A remote helibase is set up and will be utilized. Please know that our aircraft can only fly when visibility is safe enough to do so. However, we have several firefighting aircraft geared up and ready to go.
An Oregon Department of Forestry Type I Incident Management Team, alongside an Oregon State Fire Marshal Team will assume command of the fire at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon in order to alleviate the local district’s initial attack resources.
It is important to note that this is the same location as the 1994 Hull Mountain Fire where a firefighter fatality happened so close to home. We are keeping firefighter and public safety on the forefront of our thoughts, as always, and each crew is being asked to review their “watch out” situations throughout the day.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
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 17000.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., from West Fork Evans Creek Rd beginning with the address 16840 to Antioch Rd ending at the address 22185; Meadows Rd, the addresses 16840, 16880, 16901, and 16933.
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: 28
Water Tenders: 12
Helicopters: 4
Hand Crews: 15
Dozers: 12
Total Personnel: 360+
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
#FireSeason2018
