After working through the night, firefighters on the Neil Rock Fire have completely lined the fire, and will continue to mop up the area today. Located 10 miles northwest of Eagle Point, the Neil Rock Fire was initially spotted by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Detection Center cameras Tuesday afternoon around 3:40 pm. One engine was sent to investigate, but due to the increase of smoke in the area, a second engine, helicopter, a bulldozer, and the Task Force from the Medco B Fire were dispatched as well. By 5:00 pm, additional resources were also called on, including a water tender and additional engines from our Grants Pass office.
The fire is located in a very remote and rocky area, providing our crews with an additional challenge; access to the fire was initially hard to make. Windy conditions also helped to push the fire uphill. It was first reported as a five-acre fire. This morning, it is completely lined at 9.5 acres.
Today, there are 38 total personnel working the fire, 32 of those being firefighters. Two handcrews and two engines will continue to mop up the area.