ROGUE RIVER, Ore., (April 7, 2021) – Fire investigators with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District have determined the cause of the Wards Creek Road Fire, located in the hills northeast of Rogue River, to be multiple debris burn piles that escaped. A citation has been issued to the responsible party.
The fire was reported just before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 as a grassfire that was spreading rapidly uphill from the 3700-block of Wards Creek road. Rogue River Fire District #1 was the first agency on-scene and assumed command. Firefighters initially estimated the fire to be three acres in size, involved in heavy brush and timber, and quickly spreading due to the wind. A second and third alarm were called, as the fire continued to run uphill.
ODF crews, alongside engines from Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Illinois Valley Fire District, Evans Valley Fire District, Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Ashland Fire all responded and aggressively engaged in initial attack with Rogue River
Fire District resources. Steep terrain and heavy vegetation prevented bulldozers from being utilized on the majority of the fire, leaving the work solely to firefighters on the ground. Within three hours, resources were able to hoseline the entire perimeter of the fire and begin constructing a strong perimeter. However, winds prompted multiple spot fires in the hills above the main body of the fire, creating a challenge for crews.
Additional resources were called in to relieve the initial engines and work to contain the spot fires overnight. By early morning, the entire fire was deemed contained and mop-up work continued into Wednesday. Through GPS mapping, the fire was deemed to be just over eight acres, including spot fires. Due to direction the fire was spreading, evacuations were never ordered and no homes were threatened. Wards Creek Road was closed for a time to everyone but residents and fire personnel; that closure has since been lifted.
After examining the scene and speaking with witnesses, fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was multiple escaped debris burns that were left unattended. A citation was issued to the responsible party. This incident is not the first of its kind this week; fire agencies from across southern Oregon have responded to multiple escaped burns in the past seven days. Warmer weather, winds and a lack of rain are contributing to increased fire activity and risk. Currently, below 3,000 feet in elevation, conditions are comparable to typical late spring conditions in the Rogue Valley. Debris burning in these conditions can easily escape the control of the landowner, and additional precautions should be taken. Residents are also being urged to check extinguished burn piles, as prior burns can easily reignite in these conditions.