ASHLAND, Ore. (July 5, 2024) – Firefighters were able to stop the progress of a new fire that started late Thursday night, completely lining the entire perimeter and stopping its growth despite steep slopes, overnight wind and extremely low relative humidities. The Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire, located northeast of Ashland, is now 100% lined and has been GPS mapped at 43 acres. The cause is currently under investigation.
The fire was originally reported at 10:15 p.m. along the 5400-block of Dead Indian Memorial Road, but when firefighters arrived and began working, it was determined to be closer to the 4500-block. Numerous engines from the ODF Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire and Rescue responded initially. More resources were quickly ordered, including three 20-person crews, three engines, a bulldozer and a 10-person crew. A wildland task force made up of resources from Josephine County was dispatched as well. Additional resources were also ordered for Friday morning.
Today, six 20-person crews, two bulldozers, six engines, four water tenders, two tree fallers and overhead personnel are assigned to the fire. Firefighters will work to strengthen and further secure lines, as well as begin mopping up and extinguishing hotspots that may reignite later. Conditions today will be working against firefighters, including predicted temperatures of 104 degrees, relative humidity in the single digits and possible wind. These factors naturally increase fire behavior, and resources will be monitoring for any changes as the day continues.
Dead Indian Memorial Road is currently closed near the fire due to a large amount of firefighting personnel and equipment in the area. Resources are working to open one lane of the road with a lead pilot car when possible later this morning, and are anticipating the road to be fully opened by the end of shift if favorable progress continues.
Due to the location of the fire, no homes were threatened, and no evacuations were issued. Evacuations are determined by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management. Find your evacuation zone and additional information here: https://protect.genasys.com/
Today, the fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is high (yellow) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Information is available on our Facebook page.