Successful strategic firing operations help to secure southeastern edge of Salt Creek Fire

July 11, 2024

Salt Creek Fire Facebook

Incident contact information:
saltcreekfire2024@gmail.com
(541) 622-3834

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Today, in the southeastern area of the fire, firefighters were able to tighten the fireline by using strategic firing operations in steep, rocky terrain to bring the fire edge to the constructed line. In this area, the fireline was built indirect where firefighters would be better able to hold the fire. The smoke from this activity was visible from Hwy 140. Aircraft were available throughout the day to support the operation to keep the fire within the perimeter.

Overnight, firefighters will continue to work into the interior of the fire, increasing mop up to 150 feet in the northwest area of the fire. In the southeastern corner, firefighters will monitor fire activity and continue the strategic firing operations to eliminate fuel between the fire’s edge and the indirect fireline. Firefighters have already laid hose for water access in this area in preparation for mop up activities.

Tonight, more than 300 firefighters are assigned to the incident, including 12 20-person crews, 19 engines, 10 bulldozers and 11 water tenders.

BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

Extreme fire danger is in effect; follow all current fire restrictions to prevent fires. Learn more at:

The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation.

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Estimated Size: 3,891 acres

Containment: 16%

Cause: Under Investigation

Estimated Cost: $2.97 million

Evacuations

Evacuation Level 1: BE READY for Zones JAC-316, JAC-317, JAC-319, JAC-321 and JAC-325-A.

Road Closures

Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road remained closed at Highway 140, and Double Day Road is closed off of Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open.

All Resources

Total Personnel: 1,065

Hand Crews: 39

Engines: 38

Water Tenders: 24

Dozers: 22

Helicopters: 12

Large Airtankers & Single Engine Airtankers are available upon request.

Incident Commander:

Joe Hessel Oregon Department of Forestry, IMT 1

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