Mop-up operations on Salt Creek Fire progress, containment increases to 24%

July 12, 2024

Salt Creek Fire Facebook

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

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Containment continues to increase on the Salt Creek Fire as firefighters push forward on mop-up operations across the incident. At this time, the fire is 24% contained, which is a jump from Thursday’s report. Containment indicates the amount of line that has been mopped up, which strengthens and further secures that portion.

Overnight, the fire crossed a small section of line on the southwest corner of the incident, but firefighters were able to catch it at an estimated two acres. This morning, resources remain in that area mopping up and securing the fireline. There is still the potential for flare-ups, especially in areas within the fire perimeter that still have unburned vegetation, and firefighters are watching closely for increased fire activity and potential spot fires.

Today, 750 personnel are assigned to the incident for Friday’s day shift, including 27 crews, 19 engines, nine bulldozers, 12 water tenders and eight tree fallers. Snags, or hazard trees that are primed to fall, remain a safety concern on the line and fallers will be removing them throughout the day as firefighters continue to mop up.

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: 3,990 acres

Containment: 24%

Cause: Under Investigation

Estimated Cost: $4.5 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: 1,112

Hand Crews: 41

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

Archives

Skip to content