GRANTS PASS, Ore. (April 15, 2021) – Warm and windy weather conditions are causing an increased risk of fires starting and spreading in southern Oregon. Firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District (SWO) were dispatched to three separate fires in Josephine County on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 throughout the afternoon. As of Thursday morning, all three fires had been completely lined and mopped up.
The Tarter Gulch Fire
The first fire was reported just before 1 p.m. The Tarter Gulch Fire, located nine miles southeast of Cave Junction, was burning on a recently replanted timber harvest in the Tarter Gulch area. Originally reported as five acres, the fire quickly grew to an estimated 15-20 in the warm and windy conditions. Illinois Valley Fire District responded alongside ODF firefighters, and within six hours, resources had the fire completely lined. It was caught at 33 acres. The cause is currently under investigation.
The Azalea Fire, located two miles northwest of Grants Pass on Azalea Drive, was first spotted and reported by a SWO Detection Center Specialist; by viewing a camera in the area, the specialist was able to pinpoint the fire’s location and report it to Josephine County dispatch. Rural Metro Fire District and Grants Pass Fire Rescue responded before calling in ODF firefighters to assist. Despite multiple homes in the area, no evacuations were made and no structures were damaged. The Azalea fire was contained to half an acre and was determined by investigators to have started in a chicken coop.
The third fire, the Goldbrook Fire, was located in the hills two miles northeast of Grants Pass off of Granite Hill Drive. ODF, Rural Metro Fire District and Grants Pass Fire Rescue resources responded to this fire as well, and were able to contain it to 1.5 acres. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation.
In the past two weeks, ODF firefighters have responded to more than 20 fires in Jackson and Josephine counties; 13 of those were escaped debris burns on private property. Current weather conditions are predicted continue with temperatures forecasted in the 80’s this weekend; the heat, combined with a lack of rain, is increasing the risk of fires starting and spreading. Residents should be aware, and report smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.
Fire updates are available online at www.swofire.com and Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.