JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 21, 2024) – Firefighters worked all day on four new lightning-caused fires across the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, and as of 6 p.m., all fires are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up.
The current fire status on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties is as follows:
- The Sugarpine Gulch Fire, located northwest of Rogue River in Jackson County. This fire was the most challenging one, and the last to be 100% lined due to steep terrain and windy conditions. Currently 100% lined, 10% mopped up, and caught at just over seven acres. Numerous aircraft worked this incident all day, including one Type 3, two Type 2 and two Type 1 helicopters; some aircraft remain available and on standby but have not recently been needed. Engines, a bulldozer, crews, tree fallers and firefighters remain engaged on the ground and will continue to strengthen the line overnight and push forward on mop-up operations.
- The Eastside Road Fire, located along Upper Applegate Road and west of Buncom in Jackson County. This fire has been holding at an estimated two acres and is 100% lined and 20% mopped up. Operations are ongoing this afternoon and will continue overnight.
- The Canyon Creek Fire, located west of Highway 227 and northwest of Trail in Jackson County. This fire is now 100% lined and 30% mopped up. It was caught at just over six acres. Firefighters are engaging in mop-up operations that will continue overnight.
- The Old Baldy Fire, located in the hills between Wimer and Grants Pass in Josephine County. Firefighters caught this fire at an acre and a half, and have it 100% lined and 30% mopped up. Mop up operations are ongoing.
- The Sexton Fire, reported on the east side of Interstate 5, between Hugo and Sunny Valley in Josephine County, not found by firefighters after a thorough search.
A second recon flight was been conducted and no new fires have been found. Detection camera operators will continue to search lightning strike areas for any smoke or fires. Firefighters remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across the district.
The fire danger level in Jackson and Josephine Counties is extreme and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is 3. Help firefighters by following all current regulations to prevent human-caused fires. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.