While thunderstorms over the weekend did spark eight small fires, each under 1/10th of an acre, the benefit of the rain has helped crews finishing up on the Panther Gulch and East Evans Fires, boosting containment on both. Firefighters on both fires are expected to complete the mop-up process this week.
On Tuesday, July 30, the Panther Gulch Fire was reported to ODF crews around 6 p.m. With the help of aircraft, firefighters on the ground were able to gain the upper hand on the first shift. Accurate GIS mapping placed the fire at 65 acres, very close to the size firefighters originally estimated it to be. The Panther Gulch Fire is now 98% contained.
On Friday, August 2, the East Evans Fire was reported as a structure fire at 2 p.m. Crews arrived to a burning structure and five acres of active fire. Firefighters were able to construct a perimeter around the East Evans Fire at 155 acres; it is now 95% contained.
As the weather continues to warm up, fire starts from lightning over the weekend have the potential to flare up in the heat. All staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District are prepared to respond to these reports. Updates are available on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.