Tonight firefighters will work to complete a fire line around the perimeter of the roughly 120-acre Gold Canyon Fire.
The fire burning south of Selma on ODF-protected lands is 85 percent lined and five percent contained.
Approximately 200 structures are threatened by the fire. However, no structures have been lost.
Residents on Wildpark Lane and Terrece Place are being reduced to a Level 2 (Set) Evacuation Level; residents on Reeves Creek Road are being reduced to a Level 1 (Ready) Evacuation Level, effective immediately.
An American Red Cross shelter has been set up at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass in the gymnasium for residents evacuated from the Gold Canyon Fire.
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| Gold Canyon Fire, photo courtesy of ODF ATGS Jesse Blair |
Air attack was an integral part of today’s firefight. Heavy air tankers and helicopters made numerous drops on the fire.
Firefighters on the ground are facing steep terrain. While tomorrow’s temperatures are favorable, there is still the chance of evening variable winds.
A structural protection strike team was activated to protect homes and other structures in the event the wildfire moved closer to homes. The team is assembled from engines and personnel from fire districts in Jackson and Josephine counties consisting of units from Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, Jackson County Fire District 3, Medford Fire-Rescue, Jacksonville Fire, Ashland Fire-Rescue, Applegate Valley Fire, City of Grants Pass Fire, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire Josephine County and Rogue River Fire. Some engines will remain in place throughout tonight.
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| Gold Canyon Fire, photo courtesy of IVFD Dale Sandberg |
By the morning, inmate crews and additional private contractors will be assisting with the fire.
The fire was reported today at 4:53 p.m. and its cause is under investigation.
Fire management officials ask that the public continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. Current fire restrictions for lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District can be found at www.swofire.com.