CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (July 19, 2022) – Firefighters are mopping up the I5 MP 37 Fire, located on the southbound side of Interstate 5 between Central Point and Gold Hill. It was stopped at three-quarters of an acre in size on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after it was reported.
Just before noon, firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Jackson County Fire District 1 responded to a report of a grassfire along the side of I5. When resources arrived, they found an estimated half-acre fire burning on a slope along the interstate. Multiple resources were ordered, including additional engines, water tenders and a Type 2 helicopter. Following an aggressive initial attack, firefighters were able to stop it at three-quarters of an acre. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Traffic in the area was affected on the southbound side for a short period due to a rollover traffic crash north of the incident and fire personnel in the area. Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police were able to direct traffic to the side; ODF appreciates our roadside partners in this assistance.
Temperatures in the next week are expected to be hot and fuels are continuing to dry out. Please be aware of the increased risk for fire and follow all current regulations. More information is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.