Worthington Fire Information 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) started at approximately 3 PM on July 30. The fire is burning about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire is 100% lined with a mixture of dozer and handline and remains at 70% containment today. Fire crews worked on improving the hose lays surrounding the fire and increasing the secured fire line towards a goal of 100’-150’ towards the fire interior. Fire crews are also removing hazardous fire-weakened trees for safety in transportation corridors. This fire mop-up will continue for the next several days as crews work to strengthen the fire line. Weather across the fire area is forecast with high temperatures expected to reach 87-89 degrees today, with low humidity and the potential for some wind gusts.
The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public to avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to the fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners. This fire is mostly staffed with local personnel from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
There is currently a level 2 evacuation remaining for residents beginning in the 1500 block of Worthington Road and higher number addresses. This will be downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” evacuation at 8 PM today.
The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31.
Size: 750 acres
Containment: 70 percent
Personnel: 538
Crews: 19
Dozers: 10
Water tenders: 9
Helicopters: 1
Engines: 18