August 9, 2018
The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District has completed a smooth transition with Florida Forest Services Red Team and is now assuming command of the Garner Complex, effective immediately. While this does mean that some out-of-area resources are leaving to other fires that require more assistance, this does not mean that all resources will be removed from the fire lines within the complex. Approximately 200 firefighters and additional personnel will continue gridding the landscape for hot spots on the 7,816 acre Grave Creek, 836 acre Pleasant Creek, 228 acre Spencer Creek, and 6 acre King Mountain Fires. The entire complex remains sized at 8,886 acres and is now 87 percent contained. Crews will not leave the fires until reaching full containment. In addition, rehabilitation projects to protect the landscape against undue erosion and invasive plants will continue. All of the communities surrounding the Garner Complex will remain at a Level One, “Be Ready,” evacuation notice until mop up operations are complete and the Sheriff’s Office deems there to be no lingering threats due to fire activity. However, it is important to remember that ODF Southwest always encourages that every single member of the public is at a “Be Ready” standpoint the entirety of fire season. This will be the final news release for this complex, unless a significant event prompts otherwise. The Garner Complex 2018 Facebook Page, and corresponding Inciweb page will be removed within 48 hours, and all future updates and inquiries are asked to be made through the local ODF Southwest Oregon District Facebook Page and our unit offices. We, at the District, are thankful for all of our fire family that came to help us in our time of need. The tremendous efforts and support of all firefighters across the country helped to make this an efficient and successful firefight. Fire officials ask that the public continue to use caution and adhere to regulations. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com.
August 6, 2018
Daily Update 8-6-18 9:00 a.m.
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 82% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00 a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/10/18
Location: Jackson County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $41,180,000 million
Personnel: 894
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 23
Engines: 31
Dozers: 6
Water Tenders: 17
Assigned Aircraft: 10
Structures Threatened: 564
Structures Damaged: 0
Structures Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 17
Firefighters on the Garner Complex are working diligently toward handing the management of the fire back to the local Oregon Dept. of Forestry district.
Crews using palm-held infrared scanners are finding fewer hot spots near containment lines as mop up winds down. Eliminating hot spots continues along a portion of the western control line of the Grave Creek fire and and an eastern portion of the Pleasant Creek Fire.
Extinguishing the remaining hot spots is a top priority for today’s crews. Pulling and removing hose from the fire is a another priority for sections of the containment line that have been put into patrol status. None of the hot spots pose a threat to the fire’s control lines and will be methodically extinguished.
The northern portion of the fire remains in patrol status and the other areas of the fire are expected to enter patrol status over the next few of days.
As patrol status is achieved along sections of the containment line, fewer crews are needed to contain the fire. Some crews and their camp support teams are being released from assignment, making them available to support other fires in the region.
In addition to winding down the Garner Complex, fire managers also remain ready to support initial attack on new incidents that may arise near the fire.
The Suppression Repair division is working closely with the Bureau of Land Management and private landowners to prevent sediment washing into fish bearing streams. Crews are using bulldozers and excavators for earth moving as well as a wood chipper to process slash and small trees alongside control lines.
Photos: Inmates from the Snake River Correctional Facility roll up miles of hose returned to the Garner Complex incident base.
August 5, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX #UPDATE
Daily Update 8-5-18 11:00 a.m.
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 75% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00 a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/10/18
Location: Jackson County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $41,180,000 million
Personnel: 1,004
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 27
Engines: 33
Dozers: 6
Water Tenders: 16
Assigned Aircraft: 10
Structures Threatened: 564
Structures Damaged: 0
Structures Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 17
Firefighters on the Garner Complex are working diligently toward handing the management of the fire back to the local Oregon Dept. of Forestry district.
Last night, crews used palm-held infrared scanners to detect pockets of heat near containment lines. Extinguishing the hot spots became the top priority for today’s crews on mop operations.
The northern portion of the fire remains in patrol status. Crews began pulling hose lays and returning it to the incident base. Yesterday, fire crews returned over a mile of hose. Today, fire managers report that nearly four miles of hose is ready for backhaul to the incident base.
In addition to winding down the Garner Complex, fire managers also support initial attack on new incidents near the fire. Yesterday, firefighters on the Garner Complex responded to a 2.5 acre fire on land protected by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry. The new start was quickly suppressed.
Today’s operations include more mop up operations. Crews continue to find hot spots in the southern end of the fire. None of the hot spots pose a threat to the fire’s control lines and will be methodically extinguished. Yesterday’s initial attack and the continued hot, dry weather are reminders of the importance of thorough mop up operations.
Fire managers have established a division to repair damage caused by fire suppression activities. The Suppression Repair division is working closely with the Bureau of Land Management and private landowners to prevent sediment from washing into fish bearing streams. Crews are using bulldozers and excavators for earth moving as well as a wood chipper to process slash and small trees alongside control lines.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek – 7,816
Pleasant Creek – 836
Spencer Creek – 228
King Mountain – 6
August 4, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX #UPDATE
Morning Update 8-4-18 – 9:00 a.m.
Reminder: From here one out only a morning update will be provided daily.
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 75% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00 a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/10/18
Location: Jackson County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $39,877,690 million
Personnel: 1,065
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 33
Engines: 33
Dozers: 6
Water Tenders: 22
Assigned Aircraft: 10
Structures Threatened: 564
Structures Damaged: 0
Structures Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 17
Hard work gets results. The difficult, dangerous work happening on the Garner Complex is getting the job done. On each shift hand crews seek and extinguish more and more hot spots. When all the hot spots have been mopped up, that section of the fire is placed in patrol status.
Fire managers have placed the northernmost section of the fire in patrol status. Engines will patrol the perimeter to ensure that any smokes appearing near the control lines are suppressed. Fire managers are evaluating other sections along the fire’s eastern and western edges to determine if they could be placed in patrol status.
As portions of the fire move to patrol status, resources are reassigned to other sections of the fire. Crews that were mopping up on the northern portion of the fire have been moved to the southern end of the fire, just north of Pleasant Creek Rd.
In addition to mop up, crews have begun suppression repair to remove impacts caused by fire suppression activities. Firefighters have begun removing equipment, tools and repairing constructed firelines.
Helicopters, engines and a hand crew are available for initial attack should they be called upon.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek – 7,816
Pleasant Creek – 836
Spencer Creek – 228
King Mountain – 6
August 3, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX #UPDATE
Evening Update 8-3-18 – 9:30 p.m.
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 75% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00 a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/10/18
Location: Jackson County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $39,877,690 million
Personnel: 1,065
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 33
Engines: 33
Dozers: 6
Water Tenders: 22
Assigned Aircraft: 10
Structures Threatened: 564
Structures Damaged: 0
Structures Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 17
The Florida Forest Service, Type 1 Incident Management Team Red assumed leadership of fire operations today at noon. Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1 has been reassigned to the Sugarpine Fire in Jackson County. Other Oregon Department of Forestry staff assigned to the Garner Complex Fire continue with support, mop up and restoration on the fire.
Night shift crews are locating and marking hot spots while engines patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. Daytime crews will continue mop up activities and post-suppression repair.
Beginning Saturday, 8/4/18, only morning updates will be provided due to decreasing fire activity.
Southwestern Oregon Fire Information: Contact the Joint Information Center (JIC) for current information on incidents across the southwest Oregon region between the hours of 7 a.m-10 p.m. (541) 474-5305.
The BLM roads, lands and recreation sites along the West Fork of Evans Creek previously closed due to the Grave Creek and Pleasant Creek Fires are now re-opened to the public. Be aware and prepared should conditions change.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek – 7,816
Pleasant Creek – 836
Spencer Creek – 228
King Mountain – 6
August 1, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-31-18 – 11:00 pm
(NOTE: The Taylor Creek fire statistics will be reported in a separate report and no longer included in the Garner Complex Quick Facts or updates. Taylor Creek updates will be
Taylor Creek Fire Information)
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 68%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00 a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 1,872
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 48
Engines: 45
Dozers: 8
Water Tenders: 17
Assigned Aircraft: 4
Structure Task Forces: 0
Structures Threatend: 564
Injuries: 15
Evacuations: Level 1 & 2 in effect
ODF’s Incident Management Team 1 will be holding a public meeting at 6:00 pm Thursday August 2nd at Evans Valley Education & Community Center. The event will be held at 8205 East Evans Creek Rd in Rogue River. The management team encourages residents to attend to hear from fire officials about current fire status.
At this stage of the fire, crews are in full mop-up mode. Firefighters have mopped up at least 50 feet around the fire’s perimeter and up to 200 feet in some places. As crews push deeper into the interior of the fire they encounter more snags.
Snags pose a great safety risk to firefighters, and are often a topic in the daily safety briefing. Snags are dead, standing trees that may drop branches or fall without warning. Snags typically have a much lower fuel moistures than live, green trees. This means that burn more readily and smolder for longer periods.
The risk of injuries from snags increases during the night operational period when visibility is greatly reduced. To help avoid accidents caused by snags crews will identify and remove hazard trees. Areas deemed unsafe will be avoided.
The increase of reported firefighters injuries from this morning jumped from 8 to 15. Please note that this number now includes injuries that happened at the incident command post while the Oregon Department of Forestry had command of both the Taylor Creek and Grave Creek fire.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,816
Pleasant Creek 836
Spencer Creek 228
King Mountain 6
July 31, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX #UPDATEMorning Update 7-31-18 – 12:00 pm
(NOTE: The Taylor Creek fire statistics will be reported in a separate report and no longer included in the Garner Complex Quick Facts or updates. Taylor Creek updates will be at
Taylor Creek Fire Information
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 8,886 acres (No Taylor Creek)
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 65% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 2,609
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 48
Engines: 45
Dozers: 8
Water Tenders: 17
Assigned Aircraft: 4
Structure Task Forces: 0
Structures Threatend: 564
Injuries: 8
Evacuations: Level 1 & 2 in effect
At the morning briefing for the Garner Complex, John Flannigan, Day Shift Operations Section Chief remarked, “Very impressive work so far, we need to keep making progress. With the potential for new fire starts to grow rapidly, crews have been notified that they have initial attack responsibility to help the local district.”
The north, east, and west sides of the fire are holding well and looking good. Fire crews are taking their time through the mop up process and insuring that areas are cool. The south end of the fire was the last place to have containment line put in and has more heat closer to control lines . Overnight, two crews used infrared cameras to detect residual heat. On the north side of the fire, they found isolated pockets of heat within 200 feet of the control lines. In other areas of the fire they found hotspots and flagged them for dayshift crews to suppress.
Air operations will be available at the helibase today when needed. Flights will be conducted throughout the day to monitor and look for areas that need support.
Overhead personnel are meeting with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to discuss a suppression repair plan. They will coordinate a plan to mitigate or eliminate environmental resource impacts caused by the fire suppression effort and rehab the area to as natural conditions as possible.
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s ODF Team 1 will continue to manage the fires in the complex until they are safe to turn back to the district.
July 30, 2018
Morning Update 7-30-18 – 9:00am
(NOTE: The Taylor Creek fire statistics will be reported in a separate report and no longer included in the Garner Complex Quick Facts or updates)
Size: 8,886 acres (No Taylor Creek)
Change in last 24 hrs. 0 acres
Containment: 60% – Garner Complex
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Structure Task Forces: 11
As of 6 am today, the Garner Complex Fire is separate from the Taylor Creek Fire. The Taylor Creek Fire is now under command of the Pacific Northwest Type-1 Incident Management Team 2 (Schulte). The Oregon Department of Forestry Type-1 Incident Management Team 1 (Hessel) has command of the Garner Complex.
The Grave Creek Fire is the largest and most active of the fires in the complex. The other fires within the Garner Complex are the Pleasant Creek, Spencer Creek and King Mountain Fires. Each of those fires are smaller and less active.
Reports on the Taylor Creek fire will be issued separately. Transitions of this nature are common in wildland firefighting, teams work together closely to insure that operations continue seamlessly. Firefighter and public safety continue to be the highest priority.
Fire managers working on the Grave Creek Fire say that it is a success. Lines are holding and crews are conducting fire suppression and repair operations in coordination with landowners and resource advisors. Mop-up is being conducted 100-200 feet in from the perimeter. Lines are holding and the situation looks good, as crews work to secure the area and build more lines.
Smoke from the Klondike Fire, about 9 miles to the southwest has shaded the Taylor Creek Fire which has decreased fire behavior. The smoke can also impact aviation operations due to decreased visibility.
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,816
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
https://tinyurl.com/GarnerComplexAMUpdate7-30
July 29, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-29-18 – 10:00pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 31,660 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +2,748 acres
Containment: 60% – Garner Complex
Taylor Creek Fire – 8%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $31 million
Personnel: 2,609
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 81
Engines: 119
Dozers: 24
Water Tenders: 45
Assigned Aircraft: 21
Structure Task Forces: 11
The Taylor Creek Fire was active again today on the northeast side. The fire crossed primary containment lines and moved into the Galice Creek drainage, but the fire was still within secondary dozer lines. Crews overnight are working around the fire securing and holding the line.
With the Graves Creek Fire in good shape and largely in mop-up mode, two of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structure task force teams have been reassigned to work on the Taylor Fire.
Weather today was 3-5 degrees cooler than yesterday with higher humidity. Smoke from the Klondike Fire burning in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness helped to suppress temperatures. The increased smoke limited the use of aircraft for suppression efforts.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued Level-2 evacuation orders today. A Level-2 “Be Set” evacuation means you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Information on evacuations is available from the Southern Oregon Joint Information Center (541-474-5305).
Starting tomorrow, two Type-1 Incident Management Teams will be taking command of the fires. The Pacific Northwest Team 2, Incident Management Team led by Chris Schulte will assume command of the Taylor Creek Fire at 6:00 a. m. tomorrow. The Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1 led by Joe Hessel will assume command at noon tomorrow of the Garner Complex which will include the Grave Creek Fire, the Pleasant Creek, Spencer Creek and King Mountain Fires. Fire management teams typically work 14-day assignments. Transition after a 14-day assignment is normal. Incoming teams are fully briefed and prepared before the transition is made final.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Taylor Creek – 22, 774
Pleasant Creek – 835
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek – 7,817
Spencer Creek and King Mountain – 234
July 29, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEMorning Update 7-29-18 – 8:00am
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 31,660 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +2,748 acres
Containment: 30% – Garner Complex
Taylor Creek Fire – 8%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $27.1 million
Personnel: 2,683
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 81
Engines: 125
Dozers: 28
Water Tenders: 39
Assigned Aircraft: 26
Structure Task Forces: 11
Smoke from the Klondike Fire cast shade over the Taylor Creek Fire on Saturday, providing some relief from high temperatures and lowered the active fire behavior. The Klondike Fire is burning in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness about 9 miles southwest of the Taylor Creek Fire.
Firefighters were able to hold and strengthen all Taylor Creek Fire lines, for the first time in several days. The weather trend will continue today, which means hot and dry conditions could stimulate the fire. However, smoke from the Klondike might provide some relief again today. Conditions remain difficult for firefighters because of steep topography coupled with the weather conditions.
On the Grave Creek Fire, on the east side of the complex, structure protection and mop-up work continues.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continues to adjust evacuation orders. Mandatory evacuations ( Level 3—GO!) have expanded. More than 1,000 people are now subject to the evacuation orders. Information on evacuations is available from the Southern Oregon Joint Information Center (541-474-5305).
The Bureau of Land Management today issued a closure order for recreation areas along portions of the Rogue River. The order does not affect river operations, however access to the river is limited in the closed area. Information is available from http//www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/newsroom/index.php.
(Dowloadable link here –
https://tinyurl.com/BLMClosureAnnouncement7-28-18)
Management of the Garner Complex will be changing on Monday. The Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 2 is transitioning management of the fire to two incoming teams. The Taylor Creek Fire will be separated from the complex and designated as a separately managed fire. The Garner Complex will comprise the Grave Creek Fire and the Pleasant Creek, Spencer Creek and King Mountain Fires. Fire management teams typically work 14-day assignments. Transition after a 14-day assignment is normal. Incoming teams are fully briefed and prepared before the transition is made final.
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Taylor Creek 22, 774
Pleasant Creek 835
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,817
Spencer Creek and King Mountain 234
July 28, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-28-18 – 9:00pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 29,039 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +3,942 acres
Containment: 30%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $27.1 million
Personnel: 2,683
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 81
Engines: 125
Dozers: 28
Water Tenders: 39
Assigned Aircraft: 26
Structure Task Forces: 11
The combination of continued high temperatures, low humidities and dry fuels produced active fire behavior across large portions of the Taylor Creek Fire today. Fire crews used a combination of aircraft, line construction and burnout operations to keep the fire in check. Crews reinforced alternate containment lines on the eastern flank of the fire where it passed over primary lines. Improved air quality allowed fire managers to fly numerous helicopter missions dropping water to cool hot spots.
This evening, structure suppression and wildland forces will be working together to construct and reinforce containment lines to halt the fire’s forward progress. Eleven task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshalls office will patrolling the fire’s perimeter, support the wildland crews completing burnout operations, provide water sources, and protect structures if needed.
On the northern flank of the fire, crews will construct new dozer lines that will allow them to use the Rogue River as part of the containment line.
The historic heat wave hitting the region is expected to continue till Monday when temperatures should begin to moderate. The forecasted weather will continue to promote active fire behavior which will challenge the fire crews. Fire activity from burnout operations will continue to be visible to local residents.
Mop up operations are in full swing on the Grave Creek Fire on the eastern side of the Garner Complex. Fire managers aim to mop up 150 feet from the fire’s edge. Perimeter control lines have held for several days, allowing fire managers to focus more resources on the Taylor Fire.
The Josephine County Sheriff on Thursday afternoon extended the mandatory evacuation areas to a level 3 (GO!) between the eastern flank of the fire and the Rogue River. Up-to-date information on evacuations is available from the Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.).
July 28, 2018
Morning Update 7-28-18 – 9:30pm
Change in last 24 hrs. +3,942 acres
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Structure Task Forces: 11
Members of the public have a chance today to get information first-
hand at a public meeting. The meeting is at 3 p.m. Saturday at North Valley High School, 6741 Monument Drive, Grants Pass.
Volatile, erratic fire activity continues, particularly on the Taylor Creek Fire. The hot, dry weather conditions in the region promote fire growth and make it harder for firefighters to suppress the fire. Fire managers say there is active fire behavior on just about every area of the fire, particularly around the perimeter.
A red flag warning is in place for the third straight day because of continued hot, dry and windy conditions. Today’s red flag warning is from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. A red flag warning indicates that conditions are prime for increased fire activity.
Taylor Fire: Structure task forces and wildland firefighters are working together, especially in the following road areas: Limpy Cr. Rd, Shan Cr. Rd, W. Pickett Rd, Pickett Rd., Galice Rd, and Taylor Cr. Rd. areas where the fire is nearing structure protection areas. To date, no structures have been damaged or lost. In the southwest corner, the Unmanned Air System (drone) located a 10’ x 10’ spot that firefighters were able to contain.
Spencer Fire: Mop up in 300-400 ft.
Grave Creek Fire: The fire was active along the south end of the fire perimeter. Firefighters continue today to establish control lines in that area. Other areas are stable. Firefighters are involved in mopping-up operations, up to 100 ft inside the perimeter.
Pleasant Creek Fire: Hand-held infra-red showed hot spots that crews will work on today.
“Ready, Set, Go! (Levels 1-3) evacuation levels are changing daily. To check the status of a particular residence or address, call the Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a recorded message for after hour calls). The Red Cross evacuation center is at Grants Pass High School, 830 NE Ninth Street.
Taylor Creek 20,137 grew by 3,660 ac. in last 24 hrs.
Pleasant Creek 836 no change in last 24 hrs.
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,833 grew 282 in last 24 hrs.
Spencer Creek 228 no change in last 24 hrs.
King Mtn. 6 no change in last 24 hrs.
For a downloadable, printable version of this file, click here –
https://tinyurl.com/GarnerComplexAMUpdate7-28
July 27, 2018
INCIDENT: Taylor Creek Fire Evacuation Level Updates
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: 7/27/18 @ 2:30 pm
REPORTING DEPUTY: C. Krauss
DETAILS:
EVACUATION LEVEL UPGRADES:
Riverbanks Rd:
o Riverbanks Road between Limpy Creek Road and Pickett Creek Road including all secondary roads and streets are being upgraded from a LEVEL 1 “BE READY” to a LEVEL 2 ”BE SET”
Galice Road:
o Galice Road between Stratton Creek Bridge and Taylor Creek Road are being upgraded from a LEVEL 1 “BE READY” to a LEVEL 2 “BE SET”
As a reminder: A LEVEL 2 “BE SET” evacuation notification means that you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
If you have not signed up for Josephine County Citizen Alert, Josephine County’s emergency notification system, you can sign up on line atwww.rvem.org.
The Red Cross evacuation shelter remains active at Grants Pass High School, 830 NE 9th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526.
July 27, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-26-18 – 9:30pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 25,097 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +3,654 acres
Containment: 25%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $19.8 million
Personnel: 2530
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 32
Water Tenders: 41
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
Fire activity was heavy around the perimeter of the Taylor Creek Fire yesterday and overnight into this morning. The column grew to an estimated height of 8-10,000 ft. exceeding the top of the ridge. Last night the fire was most active in the Shan Creek area. Some primary control lines were crossed, but secondary lines held the fire.
The Taylor Creek Fire is expanding on several fronts. Fire fighters are gathering intel on the fire perimeter and scouting for future containment lines. Fire managers are constantly evaluating current information and making contingency plans.
The unstable nature of the fire is requiring careful reconnaissance and evaluation before firefighters engage. Structure protection task forces have a heavy presence in the area and have been planning with wildland resources should the fire move through residential areas.
Historic hot and dry conditions continue in the region. A red flag warning will be in effect today from 1 to 9 p.m. today. That means that a combination of heat, wind and low humidity create a prime condition for increased fire activity. Winds from the north today will push the smoke south. For the next 3-5 days expect to see heavy smoke and a smoke column. Fire activity will be more visible at night.
Weather conditions are likely to be favorable for using planes and helicopters in support of on the ground firefighters. However, high demand from other wildland fires may limit availability to the Garner Complex.
On the positive side, the Grave Creek Fire on the eastern side of the Garner Complex, is doing well. Perimeter lines are holding and firefighters are predominately doing mop-up work on that fire, up to 100 ft in some places. Mop-up means making sure the fire is out and cold. There remains a limited amount of fire activity on the Grave Creek was in the southwestern portion of the fire footprint. A structure protection task force will be supporting a burnout operation today on the south end of the fire.
The Josephine County Sheriff on Thursday extended the mandatory evacuation areas near Shan Creek. Up-to-date information on evacuations are available from the Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
FIRE ACREAGES BY FIRE:
Taylor Creek 16, 476
Pleasant Creek 836
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,557
Spencer Creek 228
Current Evacuation Orders: ******
Pleasant Creek Rd: Levels 2 and 3
Grave Cr. Rd is Level 3 north of intersection with Ditch Cr. Rd.
Pickett Rd and all cross roads are Level 2 and West Picket Rd. is Level 3.
July 26, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-26-18 – 9:30pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 21,443 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +1,499 acres
Containment: 25%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $19.8 million
Personnel: 2530
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 32
Water Tenders: 41
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
Fire Status: The Red Flag weather today with temperature over 100 degrees and low relative humidity, allowed some areas of the fire to burn intensely within the control lines resulting in the smoke columns that were seen this afternoon. At this time, all fires are within the control lines, with a lot of interior burning. Air and ground resources are working around all the fires.
Taylor Creek Fire: The fire has backed to the upper end of the Limpy Cr. Well within the control lines, the fire spotted across Shan Cr. Rd. and crews and aircraft are working in coordination to control the spot. Conditions were too smoky to fly retardant today. Air reconnaissance flights are occurring to monitor the spot fire location. The interior unburned areas in drainages are experiencing islands of trees burning and active fire behavior thus producing a lot of smoke, which can be dramatic looking but are well within the interior of the fire. Based on the forecasted weather pattern, this fire behavior pattern is expected to continue.
A Level 3 Evacuation affects all of Shan Cr. Rd., Limpy Cr. Rd. and Rockinghorse Rd. To see the most current evacuation maps, go to the Josephine County website at
www.co.josephine.or.us.There are two OSFM structural task forces that will be in the West Pickett Rd., Limpy Creek Rd. and Shan Creek Rd. areas. They are mobile to go where needed. There is one task force assigned to the Pleasant Creek Rd. area.
Graves Creek Fire: The control lines are holding well and mop-up is under way. There are sill several unburned islands on this fire as well but firefighters are not experiencing control issues at this time.
Pleasant Creek Fire: Control lines are plumbed with fitting and hose and holding. The south end has improved since yesterday. The southwest corner has fire backing to the road.
Earlier today Governor Kate Brown visited the Garner Creek Incident Fire Camp. She received a briefing about the fire from the Incident Commanders followed by a tour of fire camp.
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
July 26, 2018
INCIDENT: Fire Evacuation Level Changes for:
All of Shan Creek Rd is now a Level 3 “GO”!
All residences on the west side of Riverbanks Road between Shan Creek Road and 6050 Riverbanks Road, including Rocking Horse Drive, are being UPGRADED to a Level 2 “BE READY”.
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: 7/26/18 @ 11:15 am
REPORTING DEPUTY: C. Krauss
DETAILS: LEVEL 3 “GO”
Due to the fast moving Taylor Creek wildfire, all residents on Shan Creek Roads are being placed on a Level 3 “GO” Evacuation!
Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
This may be the last notice you receive.
A shelter has been established at Grants Pass High School.
LEVEL 2 ”BE SET”
All residences on the west side of Riverbanks Road between Shan Creek Road and 6050 Riverbanks Road, including 6050 Riverbanks and Rocking Horse Drive, are being UPGRADED to a Level 2 “BE READY” Evacuation.
A LEVEL 2 “BE SET” evacuation notification means that you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
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.
A human shelter has been established at the Grants Pass High School.
An animal shelter has been established at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.
These evacuation notices are based on fire activity from the Taylor Creek Fire.
July 26, 2018
Morning Update 7-26-18 – 8:00am
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 21,443 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +1,499 acres
Containment: 19%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $16.9 million
Personnel: 2491
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 31
Water Tenders: 42
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
A “red flag” weather warning means conditions will be prime for rapid fire growth today. Firefighters were cautioned at this morning’s briefing that with gusty winds in the forecast, high temperatures and low humidity, conditions call for a high level of vigilance. In addition, much of the smoke that has been trapped over the fires has cleared out. “The fire will be getting a breath of fresh air today” says Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright, which could produce large smoke columns.
The clear air also means the fires’ helicopters and airplanes should have good flying weather. They will be used, as needed, to help maintain our control lines. And, if conditions are right, aerial ignitions are planned to remove unburned fuels between the active fire and the lines. In all, there are over 70 miles of fire line. Today, firefighters will patrol, strengthen and “mop up” the lines on the Grave Creek portion the Garner Complex. “Mop up” means making sure all fire along the line is out cold.
Last night, a spot fire did threaten the line in the Shan Creek area on the Taylor Fire but firefighters worked to contain it all night and into this morning. A top priority today will be to make sure that portion of the line stays secure.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown, along with other state and local elected officials, are planning a visit to the Garner Complex this morning. Also today, the United States Forest Service became part of the unified command, joining the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office. Much of the Taylor Creek Fire is burning on and threatening forest service lands. Finally, firefighters will be taking a “tactical pause” today to review the things needed to keep them safe, such as communications, escape routes and safety zones, and medical emergency procedures.
Grave Creek/Section 14/Ditch Creek 7,259
For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here –
https://tinyurl.com/GarnerComplexAMUpdate7-26
July 25, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-25-18 – 10:00pm
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 19,944 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +2,575 acres
Containment: 19%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $16.9 million
Personnel: 2491
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 76
Engines: 112
Dozers: 31
Water Tenders: 42
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
Burnout operations are planned overnight on the Grave Creek Fire, Taylor Creek Fire and Pleasant Creek Fire. The burnouts are dependent on weather and conditions on the fire at the time of the planned burnout. If conditions are not right, the firefighters will not light the burnout. Because we’re burning at night, individual tree torching may be visible, especially at the Limpy Creek Road and Shan Creek Road areas.
Burnout means: setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line. Wildland and structural fire fighters, who are on the fire lines 24 hours, will continue efforts to keep the fire inside the control lines. While wildland fire fighters fight the fire, the role of the OSFM resources is to protect structures by prepping (trimming) and creating defensible space around homes.
For the Grave Creek Fire/Ditch Creek Fire the plan for overnight is to conduct burnout operations along the east and south edges, if conditions allow. The west edge is holding to the road and will patrolled. The OSFM Task Force will be patrolling homes during the burnout operations.
The Taylor Creek Fire will have task forces, a group of engines, in the Limpy Creek, Shan Creek and the Pickett area to continue prepping and holding the lines around structures during the burnout operations. There will be other task forces continuing to patrol, prep and assess structures in the surrounding area.
The air quality in communities around the Garner Complex continues to be between Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy due to the many fires in the region. For information about wildfire smoke and your health, go to the Oregon Smoke Information website at—
http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
July 25, 2018
Burnout operations on the Garner Complex Fire may be visible tonight from the following rural areas:
Grave Creek Rd, Pleasant Creek Rd, Limpy Creek Rd., West Pickett Rd.
Both the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshall will be on the fireline working through the night monitoring the burn. The surrounding communities may see increased fire activity and smokier conditions. Burnout operations will only occur if weather conditions are favorable.
July 25, 2018
GARNER COMPLEX
#UPDATEEvening Update 7-25-18 – 9:00am
QUICK FACTS:
Size: 19,944 acres
Change in last 24 hrs. +2,575 acres
Containment: 18%
Start Date/Time: 7/15/2018 9:00a.m.
Expected Containment Date: 8/7/18
Location: Josephine County
Cause: Lightning
Est. Cost: $13.9 million
Personnel: 2432
Assigned Resources:
Handcrews: 74
Engines: 112
Dozers: 35
Water Tenders: 47
Assigned Aircraft: 27
Structure Task Forces: 9
Last night’s burnout operations were conducted on the Taylor Creek Fire. Burnout means: setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line. Individual tree torching was visible through the night. However, all fire remains within the control lines due to the efforts of both wildland and structural fire fighters, who worked through the night.
All day today burnout operations will be conducted on the south and east sides of the Taylor Creek fire and the south side of the Grave Creek Fire. The public will see more active fire and smoke in these areas. These burnout operations are critical for widening the control firelines that are strategically placed to control the fire.
The total current acres on each fire:
Taylor Creek 11,831
Grave Creek/Ditch Creek 7,047
Pleasant Creek 832
Spencer Creek 228
King Mountain 6
There will be a more detailed update released this afternoon about current operations on these fires.
Today’s weather will continue to be very hot and dry. There will be light variable winds this morning until around 1:00 this afternoon. At that point winds will be west-northwest at 5-10 miles per hour. This will cause smoke to blow towards the SE side of the fires. More air quality information can be found at
https://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ or the Oregon Department of Environmental-Air Quality Monitoring Data website located here
https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map.
For most current evacuation information, please contact the Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (8 AM—8 PM). A Red Cross Shelter is set up at the Grants Pass High School at 830 NE 9th Street in Grants Pass. 541-474-5710.
