Crews are continuing to make good progress on the Neil Rock Fire, burning 10 miles northwest of Eagle Point. It remains completely lined, and the fire is 75% contained tonight. Due to this progress, we won’t be staffing the fire overnight, and efforts will continue in the morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
After working through the night, firefighters on the Neil Rock Fire have completely lined the fire, and will continue to mop up the area today. Located 10 miles northwest of Eagle Point, the Neil Rock Fire was initially spotted by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Detection Center cameras Tuesday afternoon around 3:40 pm. One engine was sent to investigate, but due to the increase of smoke in the area, a second engine, helicopter, a bulldozer, and the Task Force from the Medco B Fire were dispatched as well. By 5:00 pm, additional resources were also called on, including a water tender and additional engines from our Grants Pass office.
The fire is located in a very remote and rocky area, providing our crews with an additional challenge; access to the fire was initially hard to make. Windy conditions also helped to push the fire uphill. It was first reported as a five-acre fire. This morning, it is completely lined at 9.5 acres.
Today, there are 38 total personnel working the fire, 32 of those being firefighters. Two handcrews and two engines will continue to mop up the area.
Crews on the Medco B Fire, located 10 miles north/northeast of Butte Falls, are continuing to mop up this morning. The containment level has increased over the past day to 92-percent, and furthering that containment is our goal today. Our lines held overnight, and the fire remains at 345 acres. Due to our recent progress, our total personnel is decreasing from 118 to 96. We’ve also pulled a dozer from line, and our nightshift has transitioned to patrol.
Spot fires remain a concern today; firefighters will be on the lookout for any flames flaring up with potential winds. The area where the fire is burning is susceptible to upslope winds, which helped the fire to spread initially.
The Medco B Fire first broke out on Saturday afternoon across two logging units on private land; one that had been recently felled and bucked, the other logged several years earlier.
The investigation into the cause remains open. No evacuations have been issued and no road closures are in place.
ODF Southwest Oregon District would like to thank our partners who have assisted us, including the U.S. Forest Service Hot Shots.
The Medco B Fire, located 10 miles north/northeast of Butte Falls, is 345 acres in size and is 90 percent contained. The fire line was completed Sunday afternoon.
The fire broke out early Saturday afternoon and upslope winds during the afternoon and early evening hours on Saturday pushed the fire across logging units on private land. One of the units had been recently felled and bucked, and the other had been logged several years earlier.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
More than 100 firefighters are assigned to fire suppression effort today, and they will be holding and improving the fire line, and extinguishing burning material within 50 feet of the line. Equipment available to the firefighters includes five water tenders, six wildland fire engines and three bulldozers. Aircraft are available if needed.
No structures are threatened by the fire, no evacuations have been made, and no roads are closed.
Reported yesterday, the Medco B fire is located near Medco Pond just east of Hwy 62 outside Butte Falls. As of this evening, the fire is reported at 90% lined and 345 acres and the cause is under investigation.
“Big thanks to our partners with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for the interagency coordination,” said ODF’s Southwest Oregon District Forester, Dave Larson. “The success of our strong partnerships is especially appreciated during these pre-season fires and warmer conditions.”
Resources included a Type 1 helicopter (Saturday), multiple tenders, dozers, hand crews, and a USFS 20 person hot shot crew. Crews will continue strengthening the perimeter, eliminating hot spots, and working to mop-up the fire.
Quick Facts:
Incident Start Date: 09/02/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 7:15 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Hugo, which is roughly ten miles north-northwest of Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 199 acres
Containment: 86%
Current Situation:
This will be the final update for the Hugo Road Fire unless conditions significantly change.
Firefighters continue to boost containment on the Hugo Road Fire, now reaching 86 percent. The fire remains at 199 acres.
Overnight, crews were able to mop up 300 feet from the fire’s edge, adjacent to roadways, and surrounding the perimeter of homes. Within the mop up area, very few hot spots were found. All residences are at a Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice, and will remain at such until Fire Season 2018 comes to a close, per the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
Local fire personnel will continue gridding the landscape for interior hot spots and conducting suppression repair throughout the next few days. It is normal to see light smoke during this process, but it is now well within the interior of the fire’s footprint which does not pose a threat to our community. There will still be fire apparatus present until the final mop up stages are complete. We encourage everyone to continue to use caution while traveling through the area.
Thank you again to every single partner agency and community member for the assistance and support throughout this firefight. It is an honor to serve and live in this community.
Evacuations:
Due to progress made by firefighters on the Hugo Road Fire all current evacuation levels are being downgraded to a Level 1 “BE READY” notice. Level 1’s will remain in effect until the end of the fire season.
For information regarding information, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, or follow the Josephine County Emergency Management Facebook page as evacuation levels are anticipated to change shortly.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 10
Water Tenders: 4
Helicopters: As needed
Hand Crews: 8
Dozers: 4
Total Personnel: 211
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
ODF Southwest Oregon District, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 09/02/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 7:15 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Hugo, which is roughly ten miles north-northwest of Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 199 acres
Containment: 75%
Current Situation:
The containment on the Hugo Road Fire continues to rise as firefighters are making additional progress. The fire is now 75 contained.
Crews have now completed mopping up 250 feet from the fire’s edge. While, the initial plan was to achieve 300 feet of mop up by the end of shift, several firefighters working on the Hugo Road Fire were dispatched to a new fire start six miles northeast of Selma. Thanks to the coordinated response, crews were able to catch the fire at roughly two acres.
A thorough investigation has revealed that the cause of the Hugo Road Fire was a result of a tree falling into a powerline.
Tonight, firefighters will continue to focus on expanding mop up operations around the perimeter, homes, and roadways. Please use caution if traveling through the area.
Evacuations:
Due to progress made by firefighters on the Hugo Road Fire all current evacuation levels are being downgraded to a Level 1 “BE READY” notice. Level 1’s will remain in effect until the end of the fire season.
For information regarding information, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, or follow the Josephine County Emergency Management Facebook page as evacuation levels are anticipated to change shortly.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 10
Water Tenders: 4
Helicopters: As needed
Hand Crews: 8
Dozers: 4
Total Personnel: 211
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
ODF Southwest Oregon District, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 09/02/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 7:15 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Hugo, which is roughly ten miles north-northwest of Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 199 acres
Containment: 60%
Current Situation:
Excellent progress was made today on the Hugo Road Fire; crews were able to hold control lines, and contain 60 percent of the fire. Mop up operations have extended 150 feet past the perimeter. Tonight, crews will work to extend that to 200 feet inside the fire lines.
While some resources are being pulled from the lines, firefighters will bring in infrared tools to help detect heat overnight. The soil in those areas will then be turned over and cooled off.
Residents are continuing to return home tonight. Some evacuation notices have been lifted or changed by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (please see below).
Our partners at the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal have also returned home. ODF would like to thank all of our partner agencies and crews who came in to help us tackle this fire in a short window. Full containment, along with the safety of our firefighters and the public remain our top priorities.
Evacuations:
Per Josephine County Sheriff’s Office:
Due to progress made by firefighters on the Hugo Road Fire the following changes are being made to the current evacuation levels:
Level 3 “GO” notice:
7351, 7396, 7511, 7600, 7637, 7695, 7700, 7719 and 7720 Hugo Rd, 910, 1234, 1270, 1280 and 1291 Oxyoke Rd, 525, 900, 905, 912, and 920 Templin Ave, 398 and 540 Wilson Ln
Level 2 “BE SET” notice:
7007, 7151, 7222, 7226, 7230, 7251, 7310 and 7400 Hugo Rd, 225, 255, 345 and 401 Keeta Way, 326, 366, 380, 470 and 490 Monterico Rd, 350, 450, 500, 543, 571, 572, 575, 585, 620, 635, 680, 747, 750, 780, 785, 795, 809, 830, 848, 887, 925, 959, 1360, 1361, 1372, 1380, 1388, 1390, 1395, 1471, 1497 and 1525 Oxyoke Rd, 449, 465, 500, 570, 606 and 630 Templin Ave, 1129 Three Pine Rd, 225 Trevor Way, 291, 350, 370, 381, 401 and 453 Wilson Ln
Areas outside of the above describe streets and addresses are being downgraded to a Level 1 “BE READY.” Level 1’s will remain in effect until the end of the fire season.
For additional information regarding information, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, or follow the Josephine County Emergency Management Facebook page.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 19
Water Tenders: 9
Helicopters: As needed
Hand Crews: 8
Dozers: 4
Total Personnel: 211
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
ODF Southwest Oregon District, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 09/02/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 7:15 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Hugo, which is roughly ten miles north-northwest of Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 199 acres
Containment: 45%
Structures Threatened: 265
Structures (Outbuildings) Destroyed: 13
Structures (Outbuildings) Damaged: 2
Residences Destroyed: 2
Residences Damaged: 3
Civilians Evacuated: 663
Current Situation:
Significant progress continues to be made on the Hugo Road Fire. The 199 acre fire burning north-northwest of Grants Pass in the community of Hugo is now 45 percent contained.
Overnight, firefighters were able to complete mop up of 100 feet from the perimeter control line, around the perimeter of structures, and from the edge of roadways. In addition, power was restored throughout the area impacted by the fire.
Today’s primary goal is to extend the mop up area to at least 200 feet. Firefighters want to ensure that the continued afternoon winds do not pose a threat to our current control lines. While gusty winds will continue, temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80’s today and overnight humidity recoveries have improved.
Resources from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be traveling home around 4 p.m. today. Community members can expect to see out-of-area engines departing the fire throughout the day and local engines entering to assist with the transition.
Firefighters from all agencies involved would like to express their gratitude for the community’s support. It is an honor to serve you.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “GO” and Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notices remain in effect, as of 7:00 this morning. With great progress made overnight, there is a possibility evacuation levels may drop throughout the day. The Sheriff’s Office will be evaluating this decision, and will notify all impacted residences via Citizen Alert once they decide which areas are safe to reenter. For additional information regarding information, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, or follow the Josephine County Emergency Management Facebook page.
A human shelter and animal shelter has been established at the Josephine County Fairgrounds by the American Red Cross and Josephine County Public Health.
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 12
Water Tenders: 5
Helicopters: As needed
Hand Crews: 10
Dozers: 5
Total Personnel: 211
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies: ODF Southwest Oregon District, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Rogue Valley Fire Chief’s Association, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Rogue River Fire District, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, Jackson County Fire District 4, Fire District 3, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and American Red Cross.
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 09/02/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 7:15 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: Hugo, which is roughly ten miles north-northwest of Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 250 acres
Containment: 15%
Current Situation:
Local wildland and structure firefighters made substantial progress on the Hugo Road Fire overnight, lining most of the perimeter within a few short hours. Crews have been fighting the fire since it started Sunday night in Hugo, 10 miles north-northwest of Grants Pass on the west side of I-5.
Firefighters faced many challenges overnight, including a reported cougar sighting in the area. Live power lines also caused concern as crews worked nearby. However, evening conditions helped crews gain the upper hand on the fire.
Meteorologists are predicting temperatures into the 80’s, and potentially up to the 90’s, with wind gusts as high as 30 miles per hour on ridges. These conditions pose a challenge to fire crews, along with steep terrain, extreme fire behavior, and dry fuels.
Today is a critical day on the fire; crews are focused on holding the progress made overnight, and continuing to build and strengthen the fire line currently surrounding the perimeter of the fire. Currently, there is a combination of hose lays and dozer line surrounding 80 percent of the fire. Air tankers and helicopters will be available as soon as this morning’s inversion lifts in order to help minimize fire activity for firefighters on the ground. Safety of the firefighters and the public is a top priority.
Multiple structures remain threatened. While we anticipate damages, or impacts to some structures due to last night’s fire activity, we have not yet confirmed an exact number. Today, local fire districts alongside our partners at the State Fire Marshal’s Office will be conducting assessments on properties in and surrounding the fire’s perimeter in order to make a concrete determination of damages.
Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 “GO” and Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notices for homes surrounding the fire. Residents in these areas should have received a Citizen Alert call notifying them of the evacuations. If you have not signed up for Josephine County Citizen’s Alert, Josephine County’s emergency notification system, you can sign up on line at www.rvem.org.
For those under evacuation notices, a human and animal shelter has been established at the Josephine County Fairgrounds by the American Red Cross and Josephine County Public Health.
For more information, call the Fire Information Line at 541-474-5305.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “GO” evacuation notices have been issued to the following residences:
Oxyoke Road from Three Pines Road to Hugo Road, Hugo Road from Oxyoke Road to Three Pines Road, Three Pines Road from Hugo Road to Oxyoke Road, Monterico and all secondary roads off of Monterico, Hitching Post Road, Hasis Road, Trevor Lane, Dakota Lane, Templin Avenue and Wilson Lane.
Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notices have been issued to the following residences:
Three Pines Road to Monument Drive.
Monument Drive to the Interstate 5 at Milepost 66 interchange.
A human shelter and animal shelter has been established at the Josephine County Fairgrounds by the American Red Cross and Josephine County Public Health.
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 12
Water Tenders: 5
Helicopters: As needed
Hand Crews: 10
Dozers: 5
Total Personnel: 138
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
ODF Southwest Oregon District, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Rogue River Fire District, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, Jackson County Fire District 4, Fire District 3, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and American Red Cross.
Firefighters are working hard to slow the forward progress of the #HugoRoadFire in Hugo, burning west of Interstate 5 near exit 66.
A grass fire was called in at approximately 7:15 this evening and is anticipated to have grown to 150 acres within just a few hours. Firefighters from multiple agencies, helicopters, and air tankers were able to attack this fire aggressively from the start. However, aerial resources had to be grounded when the sun went down.
Tonight, we have five dozers, six hand crews, 10 engines and multiple water tenders fighting the fire. Firefighters are hoping to completely line the fire tonight and keep the fire in check tomorrow. Crews are facing extreme fire behavior, wind gusts, steep terrain, and dry fuels throughout the entire area of the fire.
In addition, nineteen engines are working specifically on protecting and defending homes. Structures remain threatened.
Right now, evacuations are being issued. All that are in a Level 3 “Go” evacuation area have already been notified by law enforcement, or have received a Citizen Alert notification. Additional Level 2 “Be Set” and Level 1 “Be Ready” will be issued shortly. Please monitor the Josephine County Emergency Management Page for additional details. We will also share those updates here as soon as they are announced.
A shelter has been established for people and animals at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Anyone needing assistance can call Southern Oregon Emergency Aide at 541-226-1124.
The cause remains under investigation.
Partners involved include ODF Southwest Oregon District, Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Applegate Valley Fire District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rogue River Fire District, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, Jackson County Fire District 4, Fire District 3, Josephine County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and American Red Cross.
Please keep in mind that this incident is quickly evolving, and all firefighters are doing everything they can to catch this fire overnight. We anticipate having a clearer picture of the situation by morning.
Firefighters halted the I-5 Milepost 54 Fire burning near Grants Pass at approximatey 20 acres around 5:30 p.m. this afternoon. The initial report came in just after 2:30 p.m. with an estimated size of one-acre. Within minutes, the fire began spreading and spotting upslope in the direction of a dozen homes. While the homes were initially threatened by the fire, no homes were lost or damaged by this incident. Resources from multiple agencies were able to attack the fire both on the ground and in the air, and get a fire line around the perimeter a couple hours later. The steep slopes and difficult access off of the freeway posed a challenge for all crews; however, they were able to make progress quite quickly. The current fire size is still an estimate, and accurate mapping will take place overnight.
Several firefighters will be strengthening control lines and mopping up overnight in order to reach full containment. Fire investigators are currently looking into the cause of this fire, as well as the 1/10th of an acre fire which was knocked down quickly near I-5 MP 51. Please use caution when driving through this area for the remainder of the night as fire traffic will still be present.
This fire is a true testament of our aggressive and safe initial attack. Every single partner’s collaboration during this incident lead to this afternoon’s success. Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire Josephine County, Grants Pass Fire/Rescue, Evans Valley Fire District, Rogue River Fire, and Illinois Valley Fire District came together to keep this fire small and protect our community.
This is a great reminder; fire season is not over yet. Please know the fire restrictions in your area before recreating outdoors this holiday weekend. For additional information about the Oregon Department of Forestry, please visit us on Facebook @ODFSouthwest, at www.swofire.com, or call/visit the Southwest Oregon District office nearest to you.
RamseyCanyonFire 08/25/18 PM update
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,861 acres
Containment: 25%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 498
Structures Destroyed: 1
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
Fire crews had another successful shift on the Ramsey Canyon Fire.
Along East Evans Creek Road, crews focused on burning out small
pockets of fuel near the fireline. In the southern and western sections of
the fire, firefighters worked to secure water sources and hose lays for
mop-up and conducted mop-up operations. On the eastern portion of
the fire, firefighters found and extinguished two small spot fires that
were smoldering outside the containment lines. Wildland and structural
crews will monitor these areas through the night.
All these actions were preparation for the mop-up phase of the fire.
“Mop-up is the name of the game,” said Operations Section Chief Trainee
John Tillotson. Mop-up is a methodical process of putting the fire
completely out. On some parts of the Ramsey Canyon Fire mop-up has
already begun. In other places, crews have been busy putting the
required equipment into place; such as water tanks, pumps and hose
lays. Fallers began cutting down snags that may pose a threat to crews
mopping up at night.
Smoke may be visible in the interior of the fire due unburnt fuels
continuing to burn.
“The Department of Forestry is proud of its aggressive night shift. We
are even prouder of the excellent safety record our night shift crews
have maintained,” said ODF IMT 2 Incident Commander Joe Hessel.
“Night shift did great work last night with the burnout operation. I ask
that you once again set your day shift colleagues up for success.”
Gusty winds of 14-20 miles per hour on the ridges will test the fire lines.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at
806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-
1455.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to include 13001 and 14738 (accessed off of BLM 35-2-20) and continuing to the Meadows Rd. intersection; Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address 15513 and ending at 16995, and beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 66
Water Tenders: 14
Helicopters: 8+
Hand Crews: 30
Dozers: 8
Total Personnel: 1072
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Ramsey Canyon Fire 08/25/18 AM update
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,861 acres
Containment: 17%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 498
Structures Destroyed: 1
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
Last night, crews successfully completed burnout operations on the northwestern portions of the fire. Wildland and structure firefighters worked side by side to bring the fire down to control lines just behind the structures on East Evans Creek Road. The burnout operations added several hundred acres to the fire’s size and significantly increased the ability of control lines to stop the fire’s spread.
“It was a pivotal day. Yesterday, we were we able to build a fire line and hold it—which has been a very rare occasion this summer,” said Joe Hessel, ODF IMT 2 Incident Commander. “Our mission is to keep the fire behind the homes. I’m asking our firefighters to work really hard today to hold and secure these lines before the warm weather hits.”
Last night’s primary mission was to put fire on the ground in a safe and controlled manner. Today’s objective is to hold it. Holding operations today will include strengthening control lines where needed, burning any unburned pockets of fuel near containment lines, and watching for rolling debris and other material that may bring fire across control lines.
Fire crews will begin bringing water to the fire (aka “plumbing the fire) to support mop up and suppression operations. Structure crews from Oregon State Fire Marshall will be supporting wildland crews and providing ongoing structure protection.
Additionally, equipment operators will open strategic roads outside of the fire’s perimeter to use as contingency control lines.
The inversion moderating fire behavior will lift this afternoon, causing an increase in fire behavior. Winds of 10-12 miles per hour with gusts up to 15 will test the fire lines.
The fire burned one outbuilding on August 22, 2018 during initial attack.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-1455.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to include 13001 and 14738 (accessed off of BLM 35-2-20) and continuing to the Meadows Rd. intersection; Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address 15513 and ending at 16995, and beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 45
Water Tenders: 12
Helicopters: 8+
Hand Crews: 21
Dozers: 9
Total Personnel: 795
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Ramsey Canyon Fire p.m. update August 24, 2018
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,329 acres
Containment: 17%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 315
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
The heavy smoke that previously hampered air operations on the Ramsey Canyon Fire lifted earlier this afternoon, allowing fire managers to make good use of aviation resources to help keep the fire in check. Four helicopters cooled the fire with bucket drops and a three air tankers reinforced containment lines with targeted retardant drops.
Fire control lines in northern, eastern and southern parts of the fire were holding well. Mop up operations have begun in some parts of the fire.
While the clearer air allowed greater use of aviation resources, it also led to an uptick in fire behavior. On the northwest side of the fire, south of Evans Creek Road, afternoon winds and sunlight on the fire drove increased fire behavior. The fire backed erratically down toward the road, leaving unburnt sections that could pose problems later.
This evening fire crews are conducting burn out operations on the slope above Evans Creek Road to reduce unburned fuel and decrease the chance of an unplanned uphill run.
Tonight, Oregon State Fire Marshal will have two structure protection task forces supporting the wildland crews and protecting homes. Tomorrow, four structure protection task forces will be protecting homes around the fire’s perimeter.
Tonight’s weather will bring higher humidity recovery which will aid the ongoing burnout operations. Winds of 10-12 miles per hour with gusts up to 18 will test the fire line.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-1455.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to include 13001 and 14738 (accessed off of BLM 35-2-20) and continuing to the Meadows Rd. intersection; Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address 15513 and ending at 16995, and beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 45
Water Tenders: 12
Helicopters: 8+
Hand Crews: 26
Dozers: 9
Total Personnel: 795
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF/OSFM
Fire Size: 1,329 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: 9/10/2018
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 315
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
The Ramsey Canyon Fire was active early in the evening with fire activity on the south-east corner and in the north. On the north side, the fire continues to back down the ridge toward Evans Creek along East Evans Creek Road. It is currently staying at the creek and has not crossed East Evans Creek Road.
The south side of the fire is down to Ramsey Road and is holding. The fire is expected be active on the south side near the intersection of Ramsey Road and Ramsey Canyon Road and is expected to hold there.
The north side of the fire is in steep, rugged terrain and is slowly moving to the north. The Oregon State Fire Marshal will have two structure protection task forces working in the homes to the north of the fire. There will also be two task forces working on the east side of the fire assessing and protecting homes there.
The cooler weather will help firefighting efforts today. Temperatures will be in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s and relative humidity will be in the 25-30% range. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, with similar winds in the 11-14 mph range late in the after-noon. This will cause fire activity to increase at that time.
Yesterday, smoke over regional airports prevented air tankers from working on the fire. Helicopters will continue to work the fire as conditions permit. If the smoke clears at the regional airport air tankers will assist in firefighting efforts.
Acreage is updated from the first infrared flight over the fire.
There are Level 2, Get Set, and Level 3, Go!, evacuations around the fire area. For detailed evacuation areas go to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office evacuation refer to the interactive map to check a specific address: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525. The phone number is 1-888-680-1455.
There will be a public meeting tonight, August 24th at 6PM at Hanby Middle School in the gymnasium. The public is invited to attend to get the latest fire information from the Incident Management Teams.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to the Meadows Rd. intersection. Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 38
Water Tenders: 17
Helicopters: 5+
Hand Crews: 14
Dozers: 11
Total Personnel: 631
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF / OSFM
Fire Size: 1,500 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: N/A
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Current Situation:
The Ramsey Canyon Fire was active on the north edge and southeast today. In the southeast corner, northwest winds pushed it into dry fuels. The fire also bumped up against Ramsey road, but has not crossed it. Air operations are focusing in these areas to help in firefighting efforts. Smoke over the fire prevented heavy aircraft to make retardant drops. But helicopters were active over the fire the entire day.
The north side of the fire backed down to East Evans Creek Road where it is along the road, but has not crossed it. Fire crews will work overnight to secure the line in this area. Overall, the fire is 30% lined with direct line and 30% lined with indirect line. Some of these lines are plumbed and secured.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal Team will be doing assessment and protection of homes in the evacuation areas. They will be working overnight and through the day with four task forces during day shift and two task forces working night shift.
The smoke is expected to lift when winds show up in the late afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to be sustained between 11– 14 mph with gusts up to 22 mph. These conditions will increase fire activity across the fire with some crowning and spotting expected. Overnight the wind will drop to 2-4 mph when temperatures drop into the 50’s and relative humidity will be in the 80’s, which will help crews working throughout the night to build and strengthen lines.
The Red Cross has setup a shelter at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill at 806 6th Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525.
There will be a public meeting tomorrow, August 24th at 6PM at Hanby Middle School in the gymnasium. The public is invited to attend to get the latest fire information from the Incident Management Teams.
Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 took over control of the Ramsey Canyon Fire as of 1400 today. They are in unified command with Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Green Team.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go.”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 17935, and continuing east including addresses 18505, 18509 (all accessed off of West Fork Evans Creek Rd.), then continuing to include the address of 19373 at the intersection of Meadows Rd; West Fork Evans Creek Rd., the addresses 18504 and 18508; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to the Meadows Rd. intersection. Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 16880.
Level 2 “Be Set.”
East Evans Creek Rd., beginning at the address of 19395 and continuing to include the address of 21043 East Evans Creek Rd.; Meadows Rd, beginning at the address 16800 and 16821, then proceeding south to include the address 14765; Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13465 and proceeding south to include the address of 11655.
A temporary shelter for livestock is being organized at the Jackson County Expo. Please contact Linda Bacon at (541)226-1124, or Expo staff at (541)821-8406, if you need to make use of this resource.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
#QuickFacts:
Incident Start Date: 8/22/2018
Incident Start Time: Approx. 12:45 p.m.
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Incident Location: near Sams Valley, Jackson County, Oregon
Land Threat: Private, BLM, Industrial
Command Agency: ODF
Fire Size: 800 acres
Containment: 15%
Expected Full Containment: N/A
Civilian Injuries: 0
Firefighter Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 211
Structures Destroyed: 0
Structures Damaged: 0
Current Situation:
Overnight, firefighters were able to complete a combination of dozer line and hand line around roughly 30-percent of the Ramsey Canyon Fire’s perimeter. Spot fires continued to be an issue overnight due to the dense landscape and steep terrain.
Structural task forces stayed out all night protecting homes and making assessments for any potential changes in evacuation levels. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will remain the source for accurate and timely notification releases.
Today’s weather forecast includes a chance of gusty winds similar to yesterday evening. Ridgetops and canyons can reach up to 20-25 mph if conditions come to fruition. If fire activity allows, we hope to get a more accurate size of the fire mapped via ground GPS tools.
A remote helibase is set up and will be utilized. Please know that our aircraft can only fly when visibility is safe enough to do so. However, we have several firefighting aircraft geared up and ready to go.
An Oregon Department of Forestry Type I Incident Management Team, alongside an Oregon State Fire Marshal Team will assume command of the fire at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon in order to alleviate the local district’s initial attack resources.
It is important to note that this is the same location as the 1994 Hull Mountain Fire where a firefighter fatality happened so close to home. We are keeping firefighter and public safety on the forefront of our thoughts, as always, and each crew is being asked to review their “watch out” situations throughout the day.
Evacuations:
Level 3 “Go”
Ramsey Rd., beginning at the address 13469 and proceeding north to the Meadows Rd. intersection. Meadows Rd, proceeding south from East Evans to include the address of 17000.
Level 2 “Be Set”
East Evans Creek Rd., from West Fork Evans Creek Rd beginning with the address 16840 to Antioch Rd ending at the address 22185; Meadows Rd, the addresses 16840, 16880, 16901, and 16933.
For an interactive map please visit: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C
For additional information regarding evacuations, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assigned Resources:
Engines: 28
Water Tenders: 12
Helicopters: 4
Hand Crews: 15
Dozers: 12
Total Personnel: 360+
Air Tankers: As needed
Cooperating Agencies:
Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM Oregon & Washington, Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, Jackson County Emergency Management, American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
#FireSeason2018