This will be the final evening news release unless conditions significantly change; daily updates will be released each morning
MediaRelDailyUpdate_PM_20260815_OR-712-030327
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Resources on the Fielder Mountain Fire, located west of Rogue River, are continuing to make progress across the incident, completing the line around the entire fire perimeter. This work brings containment up to 18% tonight, and the fire remains 548 acres.
Steep terrain has been an ongoing challenge on this incident, not only for fire firefighter safety, but for water access; the limited roads around the fire are heavily degraded, not allowing water tenders to reach the top of the incident. Today, aircraft worked with ground resources, using helicopter buckets to fill portable tanks with approximately 20,000 gallons of water. This allows firefighters to mop-up thoroughly, extinguishing hotspots along the line they constructed to bolster its strength. In some areas along the southwestern portion of the perimeter, mop-up efforts have reached 75-feet into the interior. As this work continues, containment will increase.
Firefighters also worked to remove hazardous trees across the fire, which has been another safety concern. This task creates a safer working environment for resources, especially at night.
Tonight, resources will keep mopping up where possible, using infrared (IR) technology to identify areas that are still holding heat. This information will be passed along to tomorrow’s dayshift personnel to continue where night shift leaves off.
Due to the progress made on the fire, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has removed the only evacuation level in the county, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded numerous evacuations and removed others. All current evacuations are available here: https://readyjacksonco.com/Emergency/emergency-information-hub-fielder-mountain-fire-aka-i-5-mile-marker-51-fire. Livestock assistance is still available by calling (541) 864-0546.
Additionally, all road closures around the fire are lifted, however, fire personnel are still working in the area; please be aware and drive carefully.
Slight chances for thunderstorms remain in the forecast in the coming days, with light winds and temperatures expected to reach into the low 90s. Relative humidity may rise into the low 80s tonight but is predicted to drop to 24% tomorrow. Firefighters are preparing for these conditions, and will be ready to respond to any fire across the line, as well as potential new fire starts from lightning.
This will be the final evening news release unless conditions significantly change. Daily news releases will continue to be distributed each morning, and updates on the fire will be given when needed.
Evacuations: Evacuations have been issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Up-to-date evacuations are available here: https://readyjacksonco.com/Emergency/emergency-information-hub-fielder-mountain-fire-aka-i-5-mile-marker-51-fire
Find your evacuation zone here: https://protect.genasys.com/en
Road/Land Closures: All road closures around the fire have been lifted. All road closure information is available on https://tripcheck.com/
Smoke Impacts: Smoke from the Fielder Mountain Fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. Individuals sensitive to smoke should take appropriate precautions. For current air quality information and smoke forecasts, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place for the fire area daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_5072
Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal, compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts.
Cause: The fire started on Thursday, August 13 shortly after 3 p.m. Initial reports indicated tires on a semi-truck were on fire and flames had spread to nearby vegetation; the official cause remains under investigation.