August 10, 2020
***Update: Fire is 95% Contained (8.12.2020)
Worthington Fire Fact Sheet 8/10/2020
Worthington Fire Information: 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) is located about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point. Fire crews are continuing the fire suppression repair work to repair the damage caused by fighting the fire. BLM Resource Advisors work directly with fireline personnel during implementation of suppression repair to minimize erosion and to protect natural and cultural resources. The resource advisors are also gathering field data to help determine what future post-fire restoration may be needed. Vehicles and motorized equipment are thoroughly cleaned of any plant materials that could potentially contain noxious weed seeds before entering and leaving the repair areas to reduce the risk of transporting weeds when resources leave the fire. A warming trend continues with high temperatures over the fire forecast for 95-100 degrees today, combined with light afternoon winds.
The Southwest Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team will be turning the Worthington Fire over to the local Medford District BLM at 6 AM Wednesday morning. The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health.
The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. On average, human-caused wildfires make up 87 percent of all wildfire occurrences annually in the United States. Research shows that vehicle operation, equipment use and outdoor burning (including campfires) are the top three ways humans cause wildfires on the landscape. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following public fire restrictions.
***Date Fire Started: July 30th, 2020
***Cause of Fire: Lightening
Size: 761 acres
Containment: 92 percent
Personnel: 201
Crews: 6
Dozers: 1
Water tenders: 2
Engines: 3
August 6, 2020
Worthington Fire Fact Sheet 8/6/2020
Worthington Fire Information 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) has been determined to be a natural fire caused by a lightning strike. The fire is located about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The fire is 80% contained today and fire crews are working on mop-up to improve and strengthen the fire line, expanding and clearing the fire perimeter to 150’ deep. Safety of the public and wildland firefighters is the number one priority, so crews continue to remove hazardous fire-weakened trees in transportation corridors. It will be cooler today, with a high temperature of 75 degrees across the fire area and light winds in the afternoon.
The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to this fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners, with most of the fire fighters being locals from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
All evacuations on the fire have been downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” status. The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. On average, human-caused wildfires make up 87 percent of all wildfire occurrences annually in the United States. Research shows that vehicle operation, equipment use and outdoor burning (including campfires) are the top three ways humans cause wildfires on the landscape. The public can help us by making good decisions about when and where they recreate on public lands and by following public fire restrictions.
Size: 761 acres
Containment: 80 percent
Personnel: 345
Crews: 13
Dozers: 3
Water tenders: 8
Helicopters: 2
Engines: 10
August 5, 2020
Worthington Fire Information 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) started at approximately 3 PM on July 30. The fire is located about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire behavior is mostly smoldering and creeping. The fire is 75% contained today and fire crews are working on mop-up to improve and strengthen the fire line, expanding and clearing the fire perimeter to 100’-150’ deep. Safety of the public and wildland firefighters is the number one priority, so crews continue to remove hazardous fire-weakened trees in transportation corridors. Fire crews were able to recover a significant amount of excess hose from the southwestern fire perimeter yesterday where it was no longer needed for fire suppression. High temperature across the fire area is forecast for 89 today, with low humidity and light winds in the afternoon.
The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to this fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners, with most of the fire fighters being locals from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
All evacuations on the fire have been downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” status. The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31. The BLM and ODF ask the public to assist wildland firefighters by preventing human-caused wildfires, as human-caused wildfires often comprise more than 80 percent of all wildfire ignitions throughout the country.
Size: 761 acres
Containment: 75 percent
Personnel: 349
Crews: 14
Dozers: 5
Water tenders: 9
Helicopters: 2
Engines: 10
August 4, 2020
Worthington Fire Information 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) started at approximately 3 PM on July 30. The fire is located about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire behavior is mostly smoldering and creeping, with some snags still burning in the fire interior. The fire remains at 70% containment today as fire crews continued their mop-up work to improve and strengthen the fire line, expanding and clearing the fire perimeter to 100’-150’ deep. Safety of the public and wildland firefighters is the number one priority, so crews continue to identify and remove hazardous fire-weakened trees in transportation corridors. Weather across the fire area is forecast for a high temperature of 89-91 today, with low humidity and a breezy afternoon.
The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to this fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners, with most of the fire fighters being locals from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
All evacuations on the fire have been downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” status. The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31. The BLM and ODF ask the public to assist wildland firefighters by preventing human-caused wildfires, as human-caused wildfires often comprise more than 80 percent of all wildfire ignitions throughout the country.
Size: 761 acres
Containment: 70 percent
Personnel: 476
Crews: 18
Dozers: 5
Water tenders: 11
Helicopters: 3
Engines: 16
August 3, 2020
Worthington Fire Information 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) started at approximately 3 PM on July 30. The fire is burning about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire is 100% lined with a mixture of dozer and handline and remains at 70% containment today. Fire crews worked on improving the hose lays surrounding the fire and increasing the secured fire line towards a goal of 100’-150’ towards the fire interior. Fire crews are also removing hazardous fire-weakened trees for safety in transportation corridors. This fire mop-up will continue for the next several days as crews work to strengthen the fire line. Weather across the fire area is forecast with high temperatures expected to reach 87-89 degrees today, with low humidity and the potential for some wind gusts.
The Incident Command Post is located the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public to avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to the fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners. This fire is mostly staffed with local personnel from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
There is currently a level 2 evacuation remaining for residents beginning in the 1500 block of Worthington Road and higher number addresses. This will be downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” evacuation at 8 PM today.
The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31.
Size: 750 acres
Containment: 70 percent
Personnel: 538
Crews: 19
Dozers: 10
Water tenders: 9
Helicopters: 1
Engines: 18
August 3, 2020
Media Contact: Joel Brumm 541-690-8703
Worthington Fire Information: 541-690-8703
The Worthington Fire (see map) started at approximately 3 PM on July 30. The fire is burning about 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point in forest and brush on public lands administered by the BLM and private property. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Jackson County Fire District #3 (structural protection) and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continue to make good progress on the Worthington Fire. The fire is 100% lined with a mixture of dozer and handline and is currently 70% contained. Currently, fire crews have mopped up and secured the fire line 50-100’ towards the interior of the fire from the established fire line. This fire mop-up will continue for the next several days as crews work to strengthen the fire line.
On August 1 at 8 PM the local Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire. The team established an Incident Command Post at the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public to avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to the fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners. Resources on the Worthington Fire are also poised for initial attack on new fires across Southwest Oregon if the need arises.
Residents beginning in the 1500 block of Worthington Road and higher number addresses have been lowered to a Level 2 evacuation. A Level 2 evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. This level indicates there is significant danger to the area, and residents should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31.
Size: 750 acres
Containment: 70 percent
Personnel: 600
Hand crews: 21
Dozers: 15
Water tenders: 3
Helicopters: 9
August 1, 2020
Saturday, 2 p.m. – Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Jackson County Fire District #3 (structural protection) and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continue to make good progress on the Worthington Fire. The fire is currently at 725 acres.
The initial and extended attack teams have been extraordinary in the aggressive efforts to contain this fire. The fire is currently 20% contained, and fully lined.
At 8 P.M. this evening, a local Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire.
Resources on the fire include 250 personnel, six dozers, eight 20-person hand crews, three water tenders, seven helicopters and one air tanker. Additional air and ground resources will be called in if needed.
July 31, 2020
Medford, Ore. – Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Jackson County Fire District #3 (structural protection) and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department are continuing aggressive initial attack on the Worthington Fire. The fire is currently at 600 acres.
The initial and extended attack teams have been extraordinary in the aggressive efforts to contain this fire. Thanks to cooler weather and higher humidity last night, crews were able to make substantial process creating fire line, and as of 06:00, have dozer lines around 90% of the fire.
The plan for the day is to continue a robust ground and aviation campaign. Weather forecast is mid to upper 90’s, relative humidity 18 with a Haines index of 5. We are expecting some winds later this afternoon with the passage of a dry cold front.
Resources on the fire include 250 personnel, six dozers, eight 20-person hand crews, three water tenders, seven helicopters and one air tanker. Additional air and ground resources will be called in if needed.
Media contact: Brian Ballou (541) 778-9910, Kyle Sullivan (541) 618-2340
July 31, 2020
7/31/2020, 7:15 a.m., Eagle Point (Jackson County)
The Worthington Fire is about 600 acres, burning in timber/brush with breezy afternoon winds today.
7/30/2020, 8:00 p.m., Eagle Point (Jackson County)
The Worthington Fire is approximately 500 acres and evacuations have been ordered for Worthington Road. Follow your local sheriff office for details.
7/30/2020, 6:30 p.m., Eagle Point (Jackson County)
The Worthington Fire is approximately 150 acres in size is burning this evening about 5 miles NE of Eagle Point. The fire is burning in forest and brush on BLM land and private property protected by ODF. The fire is under heavy aerial attack by 6 helicopters, 3 large airtankers and one very large airtanker. Two dozers are also on scene with two more on order.
Currently no evacuations are in place, but portions of Worthington Road are local access only to allow firefighters to fight the fire. The fire was reported this afternoon (July 30). The cause is under investigation.
Temperatures this afternoon in Eagle Point reached 100 degrees, with red-flag warnings. Winds are expected to slow overnight. However, high temperatures are expected to be above 90 through the weekend.
Worthington Fire at approx. 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2020.
July 30, 2020
Triple-digit temperatures recently have increased the wildfire danger in forests and wildland areas protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District. At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, the official fire danger level will climb to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
The public fire restrictions that go into effect on Friday are detailed below. The industrial fire precaution levels will remain at a level 2 for now:
- Power saws are not allowed to be used at any time.
- Equipment used for the cutting, grinding or welding of metal may not be used at any time.
- The mowing of dry, cured grass with power equipment may not take place at any time. This regulation does not apply to farm equipment used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- The use of any other spark-emitting equipment using an internal combustion engine is disallowed at any time.
The following fire prevention regulations shall remain in effect:
- Fire-fighting equipment will be required to be carried in vehicles that travel off of state highways, county roads or driveways. This equipment includes one shovel and a one-gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger).
- Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are required to have a 2.5 lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
- Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This regulation does not apply to farm vehicles used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations.
- Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a campsite.
- Fireworks are not allowed to be used in any wildland or forest area.
- Debris burning is not allowed.
- Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are not to be used except in an approved range that has been cleared of flammable vegetation.
- Electric fence controllers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, be properly grounded, and tested regularly to ensure firesafe operation.
For more information about fire season regulations, call the Southwest Oregon District office at 541-664-3328.
July 15, 2020
Many days of 80- and 90-degree temperatures have dried wildland vegetation to the point where fires will start easily and be more difficult to control. To cut down on human-caused fires during this time, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District will raise the fire danger level to High (yellow) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
The primary change to fire prevention regulations now in effect is to move the shut-down time for power-driven machinery from 1:00 p.m. to 10 a.m., as detailed below:
- Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Additionally, saw users must have one shovel and one fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity or greater) at the job site, and a fire watch must take place for one hour after the saw is shut down.
- Equipment used for the cutting, grinding or welding of metal must be conducted in a cleared area, and all work must stop between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. A charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the job site.
- The mowing of dry, cured grass with power equipment will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This regulation does not apply to farm equipment used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- The use of any other spark-emitting equipment using an internal combustion engine will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area, and a garden hose or fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the equipment site.
The following fire prevention regulations shall remain in effect:
- Fire-fighting equipment will be required to be carried in vehicles that travel off of state highways, county roads or driveways. This equipment includes one shovel and a one-gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger).
- Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are required to have a 2.5 lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
- Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This regulation does not apply to farm vehicles used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations.
- Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a campsite.
- Fireworks are not allowed to be used in any wildland or forest area.
- Debris burning is not allowed.
- Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are not to be used except in an approved range that has been cleared of flammable vegetation.
- Electric fence controllers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, be properly grounded, and tested regularly to ensure firesafe operation.
For more information about fire season regulations, call the Southwest Oregon District office at 541-664-3328.
June 26, 2020
Hot weather across southwest Oregon has dried vegetation in the region’s wildlands to the degree that the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District will increase the fire danger level to Moderate (blue) on Monday, June 29. Fire prevention regulations will increase on state, private and county lands protected by the district.
The following fire season regulations will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday:
- Campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations.
- Motorized vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This regulation does not apply to farm vehicles used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Additionally, saw users must have one shovel and one fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity or greater) at the job site, and a fire watch must take place for one hour after the saw is shut down.
- Equipment used for the cutting, grinding or welding of metal must be conducted in a cleared area, and all work must stop between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. A charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the job site.
- The mowing of dry, cured grass with power equipment will not be allowed between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This regulation does not apply to farm equipment used for the culture and harvest of crops.
- The use of any other spark-emitting equipment using an internal combustion engine will not be allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area, and a garden hose or fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger) must be at the equipment site.
- Fire-fighting equipment will be required to be carried in vehicles that travel off of state highways, county roads or driveways. This equipment includes one shovel and a one-gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher (2.5 lb. or larger).
The following fire prevention regulations have been in effect since May 1 and shall remain in effect:
- Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, in a boat on the water, or in a cleared area within a campsite.
- Fireworks are not allowed to be used in any wildland or forest area.
- Debris burning is not allowed.
- Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are not to be used except in an approved range that has been cleared of flammable vegetation.
- Electric fence controllers must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, be properly grounded, and tested regularly to ensure firesafe operation.
- Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are required to have a 2.5 lb. or larger fire extinguisher.
For more information about fire season regulations, call the Southwest Oregon District office at 541-664-3328
October 21, 2019
Firefighters
with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District are actively
mopping up the Fry Peak Fire, located on private land approximately 14 miles
north of Rogue River. The fire was initially reported Sunday night just before
7:30 p.m. An engine was dispatched to the area above May Creek road, where
firefighters were able to confirm an estimated 10-acre fire moving slowly in an
area under salvage operations following the 2018 Garner Complex.
Due
to the minimal spread of the fire overnight, two engines and two hand crews
were dispatched Monday morning. Within a short period of time, firefighters
were able to line the entire perimeter and begin mop-up operations. Crews will
remain on scene until the fire is contained.
No
evacuations or road closures were ever made. The cause of this fire remains
under investigation.
Updates are also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
September 30, 2019
After 122 days, the 2019 fire season will end on
lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon
District Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 12:01 a.m. Lands affected by this declaration
include state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands
in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Recent rains and consistent cooler temperatures have
made the conclusion of fire season possible. While this year has been mild in comparison
to the 2018 fire season, our firefighters still kept busy on fires and
additional calls; since June 1, crews extinguished 214 fires that made up 324
acres total. This is a remarkable accomplishment for the District, as firefighters
were able to keep more than 98% of fires under 10 acres. This total fire count
does not even include the number of alarms firefighters responded to related to
fire restriction violations, assisting our local partners, and smoke chases
throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.
The termination of fire season removes fire
prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning.
This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestlands. However,
many structural fire agencies require permits for debris burning; please check
with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning,
and call your county’s burn line:
Jackson County: (541) 776-7007
Josephine County: (541) 476-9663
This is a great reminder; while fire season is over,
fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris making
sure that a burn pile is never left unattended. Also, please use caution while
using machinery that could produce a spark. Fall weather in Southern Oregon can
vary greatly.
While fire season is coming to a close, we are still here to help. Fire prevention tips and additional information is available on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest, or you can call/visit the Southwest Oregon District office nearest to you:
Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point.
(541) 664-3328
Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass.
(541) 474-3152
September 6, 2019
Multiple new fire starts have
been discovered following a thunderstorm that passed over the Rogue Valley
early Thursday morning. In Jackson County, crews have been dispatched to 27 reports
of lightning-caused fires, and 19 in Josephine County. Of the 46 total, 26 are
extinguished, and crews are responding to three and actively mopping up six. The
additional reports of fire were either unable to be located, or on lands not
protected by the Southwest Oregon District; in these cases, crews worked on the
fire until the appropriate agency arrived on scene to take over.
While this storm produced numerous fire
starts, crews were able to catch them all quickly, resulting in approximately
25 acres burned across both counties.
On Friday, crews will remain
engaged on the few active fires, with a focus on the largest, the Bunker Creek
Fire in northwest Josephine County, at an estimated 20 acres.
While
temperatures are predicted to be cooler in the next few days, fires originally
sparked by lightning may ignite and flare up in the coming days and weeks. Reconnaissance
flights will be conducted every day until crews fly three consistent days free
of reports of smoke or fires.
The public can also play a role in helping keep our area fire-free; Any smoke seen around the valley should be reported to an ODF office or 911 in an emergency. Updates are available on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
September 5, 2019
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District firefighters have been responding to several reports
of small lightning-sparked fires as a result of overnight thunderstorms in
Southern Oregon. Between Jackson and Josephine
Counties, more than 30 reports of potential fires have been received by our
dispatch centers, and crews have confirmed 18 fires, extinguishing five. Another
six reports have not been confirmed, and crews will be dispatched to those
potential incidents when current assignments are wrapped up.
In Jackson County, the majority of
fires are reported on the east side, ranging from the California-Oregon border
to Grizzly Peak and Butte Falls. In Josephine County, fires range from the
Applegate Valley to Deer Creek, Sexton Mountain and Wolf Creek. The
largest is south of Butte Falls, estimated to be ¾ of an acre.
More
than 100 firefighters between both counties are available and responding to
these reported fires. Resources available include engines, crews, and aircraft.
All staff will remain engaged into this evening, when another
system may bring additional thunderstorms through the Rogue Valley. As the weather begins to warm up, fire starts from
lightning have the potential to flare up in the heat, and new starts may
materialize. All staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon
District are prepared to respond to these reports.
Updates are also available on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
August 29, 2019
*This will be the final update on the Gyda Fire unless conditions significantly change.*
Containment on the Gyda Fire, located on the 11000-block of Highway 238, continues to steadily increase, jumping up to 57% as of Thursday morning. Crews pushed forward in mop-up operations, reaching the overnight goal of 150 feet into the fire; dayshift crews are aiming to extend another 100 feet past the perimeter on Thursday. Fire lines are holding steady, keeping the fire at 54 acres.
Resources assigned to the fire on Thursday include 13 crews, 14 engines, six water tenders, one bulldozer, and multiple tree fallers, adding up to more than 270 personnel. Tree falling operations will continue, mitigating hazardous snags in the northeast corner of the fire, while firefighters will continue extinguishing hotspots.
The
Gyda Fire was first reported on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:50 p.m., burning
mostly on private land, affecting a few acres of BLM-managed land as well. Two
outbuildings were destroyed, however 12 homes in the immediate area were
protected by structural resources from multiple local fire agencies, and no
evacuations were put in place.
ODF
greatly appreciates our partners on this fire, including the Bureau of Land
Management, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jacksonville Fire Department,
Jackson County Fire District 3, Rural/Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire-Rescue,
Illinois Valley Fire Department, Rogue River Fire Department, the Oregon
Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service, the Jackson County
Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police.
The
cause of the Gyda Fire remains under investigation. This will be the final
update unless conditions significantly change.
August 28, 2019
The
Gyda Fire, located on the 11000-block of Highway 238, is now 40% contained
following the joint efforts of the first two shifts. Accurate GPS mapping on
Wednesday has placed the fire at 54 acres. Dayshift crews have continued
forward progress on mop-up operations, reaching 50 feet into the fire’s interior;
firefighters assigned to the fire Wednesday evening have a goal of mopping up
to 150 feet in.
Resources assigned to the fire overnight include six crews, eight engines, five water tenders and one bulldozer; personnel is near 200. Air resources are available, but have not been needed. Tree fallers have made progress on hazardous trees on the northeast corner, taking down approximately 75 snags on Wednesday. The work done will help firefighters safely get to hot spots in the area.
Houses near the fire remain without evacuations, however, travelers in the area should be aware of possible firetrucks and equipment in the area on Highway 238. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.
ODF
would like to extend thanks to our partners on this fire, including the Bureau
of Land Management, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jacksonville Fire
Department, Jackson County Fire District 3, Rural/Metro Fire, Grants Pass
Fire-Rescue, Illinois Valley Fire Department, Rogue River Fire Department, the
Oregon Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service, the Jackson
County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police.
August 28, 2019
Firefighters
working on the Gyda Fire, located along the 11000-block of Highway 238, made
significant progress overnight; the fire is 100% lined, and mop-up operations
have begun. The fire is estimated to be 55 acres burning on private and BLM
land, however, GPS mapping will likely take place on Wednesday to provide a
more accurate value.
The Gyda Fire was first reported at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Applegate Valley Fire Department responded alongside ODF. When resources arrived on scene, an outbuilding was discovered to be fully involved. Another outbuilding was also destroyed by the fire. Structural resources were able to defend 12 homes in the immediate area, resulting in no damage or evacuations. Structural resources stayed on scene until midnight, and conducted patrols on the residences throughout the remainder of the early morning hours, while ODF crews began mop-up operations. Firefighters were able to move 25 feet into the fire, identifying and extinguishing hot spots.
Mop-up will continue into Wednesday, as day shift crews take over; firefighters have a goal of extending the efforts another 25 to 75 feet into the perimeter. Overnight, crews ran into difficulty in the northeast corner of the fire, where multiple snags were found, creating a hazardous situation. Tree fallers are assigned to the area today to mitigate those hazards. Steep terrain is also creating a challenge for crews; safety is paramount, and thankfully, no injuries have been reported on this fire.
Aircraft will be available to this fire as needed on Wednesday, however, air resources may be utilized for detection, as there is a potential for lightning in the forecast. District resources are available to tackle initial attack on lightning-caused fires. Resources from regional partners are also at work on this fire, including the Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jacksonville Fire Department, Jackson County Fire District 3, Rural/Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire-Rescue, Illinois Valley Fire Department, Rogue River Fire Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police. These resources and partnerships are greatly appreciated by ODF Southwest Oregon District.
August 27, 2019
Hours
after the Gyda Fire was initially reported, fire crews were able to line most
of the area burned, saving a dozen homes. The fire, located on the 11000-block
of Highway 238, is estimated to be 55 acres. Firefighters will be focused on
completing the fire line overnight, and strengthening the perimeter. Resources
assigned to the fire overnight include eight engines, six crews, five water
tenders, and three bulldozers.
The Gyda fire was first reported at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon to Applegate Valley Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Both agencies responded with engines; crews, bulldozers, water tenders, and air support including two large airtankers (LATs), and four helicopters were brought in by ODF. Initially reported to be approximately 10 acres, the fire was burning up steep terrain and threatening 12 houses in the area. With the help of structural resources, firefighters were able to save the residences. By 6 p.m., airtankers assigned to the fire were able to create a temporary fire line with retardant that crews were able to quickly build upon and secure.
Two
out buildings were initially reported as damaged by the fire, however following
further inspection, both have been determined to be destroyed. Evacuations were
not issued, however traffic in the area was slowed due to the nearby incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A number of ODF’s partner agencies have provided resources, including the Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jacksonville Fire Department, Jackson County Fire District 3, Rural/Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire-Rescue, Illinois Valley Fire Department, Rogue River Fire Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation, the U.S. Forest Service, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police. These resources and partnerships are greatly appreciated by ODF Southwest Oregon District.
