GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 18, 2025)—Following an aggressive overnight attack by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) took command of the estimated 300-acre Board Shanty Fire, located south of Grants Pass, this morning at 6:00 a.m.
Taking advantage of cooler temperatures overnight, crews established 5,000 feet of handline along Board Shanty Road on the northeast perimeter of the fire and slowed growth at the head. Firefighters are facing very active fire behavior, including frequent spotting over the line, as well as overhead hazards, such as standing dead timber that could fall. Today, crews will continue aggressive, direct firefighting tactics as they look to connect line from the head to the heal of the fire with the assistance of aviation.
Yesterday evening, ODF Southwest Oregon District responded to the rapidly growing Board Shanty Fire around 5:00 p.m., as well as numerous engines from Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, a contingent of engines from Rogue Valley fire agencies and resources reassigned from the Grizzly Complex.
The team will be in command of the Board Shanty Fire in addition to the 22 fully lined fires within the Grizzly Complex, which is currently at 79% containment with over half of the fires at 90% or more containment. ODF CIMT 3 was initially ordered Tuesday, July 8 to take command of 22 of the fires within the Grizzly Complex.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth; help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436 and JCU-437 under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.
Aircraft will be used heavily today to help suppress the fire. Drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.
For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.