RUCH, Ore. (June 18, 2025) – Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire are holding it at an estimated 350 acres following an aggressive initial attack that has spanned numerous hours. The fire, located on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land along the 2000-block of Upper Applegate Road, was first reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grassfire. Applegate Rural Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District initially responded and found a fast-moving grassfire estimated between five and 10 acres that was quickly growing in the hot, windy conditions, pushed uphill by dry vegetation.
Numerous resources were ordered for the firefight, including additional ODF engines, crews and multiple helicopters, Large Air Tankers (LATs), a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) and an air attack plane. Additionally, structural task forces from fire agencies across Jackson and Josephine counties were ordered during second and third alarm calls to protect homes in the area. Resources from the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest arrived on scene to assist quickly as well.
The fire continued to quickly grow in the wind, reaching an estimated 120 acres by 2:30 p.m. and nearing 200 acres by 3:30 p.m. Two Type 2 and three Type 1 helicopters made continuous water bucket drops across the fire throughout the afternoon, and four LATs and 1 VLAT were able to create a temporary fire line of retardant on the left flank of the fire, keeping winds from pushing it further north. Firefighters are engaging in those areas to build a sturdier fire line and hold the fire there. On the right flank, resources have been engaged and fire activity is minimal. The fire’s progression and most active area remains on the east side, where it’s been driven forward by the wind.
Tonight, an additional eight 20-person crews, eight engines, six bulldozers and six water tenders will be arriving to the fire to work the overnight shift. Aircraft will be operating over the fire as long as daylight allows. More resources are being ordered to staff Thursday’s dayshift, beginning at 6:00 a.m.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management, working with firefighters to identify homes that were threatened, issued Level 3 – GO NOW, Level 2 – BE SET and Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notices. All current evacuations can be found on www.rvem.org. An evacuation shelter is currently open at Jacksonville Elementary School at 655 Hueners Lane in Jacksonville. Small pets can be taken there, and large livestock can be taken to the Expo in Central Point.
Upper Applegate Road remains closed to the public at this time, however residents will be let through. Firefighters remain working in the area; please use caution if traveling on this roadway and avoid the area if possible.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Updates on the incident will be provided in the morning and evening, and throughout the day if a significant update is available. For more information, including current fire regulations, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.