RUCH, Ore. (August 8, 2026) – Mop-up has reached 50 feet around the perimeter of the Woodrat Mountain Fire following overnight operations, adding another layer of security to control lines and increasing containment to 15%. The fire remains mapped at 282 acres.
Firefighters will work farther into the burned area today, gridding for remaining heat and extinguishing hot spots as they work toward a goal of 100 feet of mop-up during the day shift. Hazardous snags remain a significant challenge around portions of the perimeter, requiring specialized falling modules (FMODs) to remove trees that pose a risk to firefighters working below.
A large ground response is spread across the incident today. The south side has three FMODs, four 20-person hand crews, four engines and two water tenders. On the north side, two FMODs, four 20-person hand crews, four Type 6 engines, two water tenders and a dozer are working, while the eastern side has two FMODs, four 20-person hand crews, three engines, two water tenders and a dozer. The eastern side continues to present crews with some of the more challenging steep terrain and thick vegetation on the fire.
Aviation resources available today include four Type 1, three Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters, with air tankers available as needed. Aircraft will work in coordination with firefighters on the ground, who can identify areas where targeted bucket drops will best support suppression work.
After multiple days of critical fire weather and high temperatures, cooler conditions are expected today, although temperatures will remain warm. The cooler weather will provide more favorable working conditions as firefighters methodically grid the fire, extinguish remaining heat and remove hazardous snags.
Current evacuation notices remain active through the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Residents should continue checking rvem.org/fires for the latest evacuation information and maps. The livestock shelter at the Jackson County Expo, 21 Peninger Road in Central Point, remains open.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains over the fire area until further notice. Flying a drone near a wildfire is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.
The official cause of the Woodrat Mountain Fire remains under active investigation. The next update will be provided this evening following shift change, unless significant information becomes available sooner. For more information, including current fire regulations, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest, or our website, www.swofire.com.