Fierce attack continues on Kelsey Peak Fire, thunderstorms in the forecast  

September 6, 2025

LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. (Sept. 6, 2025) – Firefighters continued to engage aggressively on the Kelsey Peak and Marial fires burning along the Lower Rogue River Corridor last night, located roughly 26 miles northwest of Grants Pass. These fires are two of 10 that started as a result of lightning on ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected land following thunderstorms on Wednesday. Overnight, resources were able to finish work on the Marial Fire, stopping it at a half-acre and mopping up 100% of the incident. This leaves the Kelsey Peak Fire as the only active incident of 10 fires affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. While the other nine are in patrol status, they continue to be monitored for signs of heat and any lingering hot spots found are immediately extinguished.

Fire behavior remained active on the Kelsey Fire overnight, but resources were able to put in line with bulldozers, connecting to the work that was completed yesterday along BLM Road 32-9-14 on the north end of the fire. They were also able to reinforce those lines along the road itself and hold the fire there despite embers that threatened to spread beyond established control lines.

Today, this work will continue. Resources assigned to the fire for Saturday include 11 20-person crews, two 10-person crews, 14 engines, two sets of fallers, five bulldozers, and seven water tenders, along with three Type 1, three Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters; in all, 326 personnel are working on the fire today. Smoky conditions didn’t allow for the use of aircraft yesterday, however clearer skies this morning may mean work from the sky can continue safely today. Additional resources like air tankers will be ordered as needed.

Overnight, an infrared (IR) flight was able to be conducted over the Kelsey Peak Fire, and through more arcuate mapping, the fire was determined to be 506 acres. This jump in acreage is partly due to strategic firing operations that were conducted yesterday to protect the BLM Road 32-9-14.2, which serves as the only exit for communities further west of the fire. ODF, BLM and firefighters on the ground remain committed to keeping this fire as small as possible and extinguishing it quickly, but safely. Challenges on this fire include incredibly steep terrain, limited road access, dense brush, large hazardous trees, rolling debris and snakes.

Due to the threatened road, the BLM Grants Pass Field Office has temporarily closed a portion of the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway (BLM Road 32-9-14.2) and Sheriff John Ward of the Curry County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3, GO NOW, evacuation order for the area of Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and the nearby area of Marial. The public is strongly encouraged to avoid the entire Byway to facilitate safe firefighter access on the steep, narrow, windy road. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited. The closure order encompasses BLM Road 32-9-14.2 along the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway. Please see the map for full closure information on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

The following is a complete list of fires on ODF-protected land from Wednesday’s thunderstorm:

Thunderstorms remain in the forecast, but the risk has been heightened today. As a result, the National Weather Service Medford Office has issued a Red Flag Warning from 2 – 11 p.m. across all of Jackson and Josephine counties, and the most western portion of Curry County where the Kelsey Peak Fire is located. The designation is due to the potential for abundant lightning on dry fuel with gusty, erratic winds up to 35 miles per hour. While storms could bring rain, windy conditions can prompt fire growth and lightning can bring new fire starts. Firefighters across the district remain ready to respond to new reports of fire and detection flights over existing or new lightning strikes will be conducted as needed.

Additional fires burning downriver near the Paradise and Half Moon Bar Lodges are on ground protected by our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Coos Forest Protective Association; please follow their pages for additional fire updates.

Help firefighters by following all current regulations during Extreme fire danger:

• ODF: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
• BLM: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/fire-restrictions

All but three Lower Rogue River Corridor fires extinguished overnight  

September 5, 2025

LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. (Sept. 5, 2025) – Firefighters assigned to multiple fires along the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County overnight made great progress on the smaller incidents and held the Kelsey Peak Fire in its current footprint. Cooler temperatures allowed resources to line and mop up an additional three fires, bringing the total numbers of fires already extinguished to seven. This work only leaves the Kelsey Peak, Marial and Mule fires still in an active status. Today, firefighters assigned to these incidents will continue to build on this progress.

The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest incident. Overnight, minimal growth was seen and the fire remains an estimated 80 acres. Resources worked early into Friday morning, holding the lines built, strengthening them where possible, and bringing in miles of hose. Firefighters working Friday’s day shift will distribute this hose across the fire and build a system to allow water access across the incident. Firefighters will also continue to build line and use aircraft where needed.

Today, resources assigned to these incidents include four 20-person crews, two 10-person crews, four engines, two bulldozers, two water tenders and various aircraft, including three Type 1, three Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters. Air tankers will be ordered as needed, and if possible, due to smoky conditions. More than 130 personnel are currently assigned to these fires, with the majority dedicated to the Kelsey Peak Fire.

The following is a complete list of fires on ODF-protected land from Wednesday’s thunderstorm:

With numerous fires along the lower Rogue River Corridor, please avoid these areas for your safety and the safety of those responding to these incidents. Road closures to the Rogue River Ranch, adjacent to the fire will likely be going into effect today. Additional fires burning downriver near the Paradise and Half Moon Bar Lodges are on ground protected by our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Coos Forest Protective Association; please follow their pages for additional fire updates.

Thunderstorms remain in the forecast for today and tonight across Jackson and Josephine counties, with higher probability for the eastern portion of Jackson County. As a result, the National Weather Service Medford office has issued a Red Flag Warning today from 1 – 9 p.m. across eastern Jackson County for abundant lightning on dry fuels. These storms bring the potential for gusty wind on existing incidents and new fire starts from lightning. Rain over the fire area is also a possibility today.

ODF fire regulations are available here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/fire-restrictions

Relentless extended attack continues on Lower Rogue River Corridor fires

September 4, 2025

LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. (Sept. 4, 2025) – Firefighters continued an aggressive, relentless attack on numerous fires throughout the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County on Thursday. These fires, a result of lightning strikes from Wednesday afternoon’s thunderstorm, are affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land approximately 26 miles northwest of Grants Pass near the Winkle Bar Airstrip:

• The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest incident, now estimated to be 80 acres tonight. This fire is now the number one priority fire across ODF’s statewide jurisdiction due to its difficulty and safety concerns, and that designation will help to bring in more aircraft and needed resources. Firefighters were able to make good progress on a lot of the fire, building line where possible on the north and east sides of the incident; It’s currently 25% lined. The southern portion of the fire’s perimeter saw the most growth, and steep terrain and dense brush made working in this area difficult and dangerous. Aircraft were used throughout the day to drop water where needed, and an air tanker was able to drop a retardant line along the eastern border, which is serving as a temporary line as well. More air tankers were ordered, however smoky conditions around the fire made a retardant drop unsafe for a tanker to fly that low to the ground again. All resources continue to hike the hour and half trek to reach this fire, or return back to the road after a full shift.
• The Bald Ridge Fire #2 was located and caught at a quarter-acre last night. Firefighters were able to complete mop-up operations on this incident today, leaving it 100% lined and mopped up.
• The Cold Springs Fire was caught overnight at 1/10 of an acre last night. Firefighters were on scene today to finish mop-up following extensive saw work.
• The Ditch Creek was located by firefighters today, and they were able to stop this fire at 1/10 of an acre. It’s currently 100% lined and mop-up operations are ongoing. This fire is the only incident on private land.
• The Marial Fire was located by firefighters today and is currently holding at half an acre. Resources on scene remain engaged and working to build a line around it.
• The Mule Creek is estimated to be one acre. Resources were engaged on this incident today and will continue work tonight.
• The Bald Ridge Fire has not been located. Firefighters will continue to look for signs of fire in this area, as it may flare up again.
• The Hewitt Creek Fire was turned over to the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters also located four new lightning-caused fires today:

• The August Knob Fire, located northwest of the Kelsey Peak Fire. It’s currently 1/100 of an acre and firefighters are engaged.
• The Quail Creek Fire, just southwest of the August Knob Fire, was stopped at 1/10 of an acre today. It’s currently 100% lined and mop-up operations have begun.
• The Big Meadow Fire, located near the Quail Creek incident, was found and stopped at 1/10 of an acre today. It’s 100% lined and mopped up tonight.
• The Jeep Ridge Fire, located closer to the Kelsey Peak Fire, is 100% lined and 30% mopped up. It was caught at 1/100 of an acre today.

Tonight, a number of resources have been ordered to work Thursday’s overnight shift, including five 20-person crews, 13 engines and three water tenders. More than 120 personnel are assigned to these incidents tonight, with additional resources that are set to relieve them in the morning.

Additional fires burning in these areas are on ground protected by our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Coos Forest Protective Association; please follow their pages for additional fire updates. With numerous fires along the lower Rogue River Corridor, please avoid these areas if at all possible, for your safety and the safety of those responding to these incidents. Road closures adjacent to the fire are in the works and will be going into effect for public and firefighter safety tomorrow.

Thunderstorms continue to remain in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow across Jackson and Josephine counties, with higher probability for the eastern portion of Jackson County. As a result, the National Weather Service Medford office has issued a Red Flag Warning for Friday from 1 – 9 p.m. across eastern Jackson County for abundant lightning on dry fuels. These storms bring the potential for gusty wind on existing incidents and new fire starts from lightning.

Today, firefighters also responded to a fire on the 3000-block of Jump Off Joe Creek Road around 9 a.m. this morning. Firefighters were able to stop that fire at 1/10 of an acre and tonight, it’s 100% lined and mopped up. As firefighters work to stop these fires on the Lower Rogue River Corridor, help them by preventing new fire starts on our landscape. Extreme fire danger is currently in effect on ODF and BLM land in Jackson and Josephine counties; all ODF regulations are available here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. BLM fire regulations can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/fire-restrictions

For fire updates anytime, follow ODF Southwest Oregon District on Facebook @ODFSouthwest or on our website, swofire.com.

ODF launches aggressive initial attack on Lower Rogue fires overnight, extended attack continues Thursday

September 4, 2025

LOWER ROGUE RIVER CORRIDOR, Ore. (Sept. 4, 2025) – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is continuing to put up an aggressive attack on fires spanning the Lower Rogue River Corridor in northwestern Josephine County following thunderstorms that moved through the area Wednesday afternoon. In all, eight fires were initially reported by a reconnaissance flight on Wednesday evening, and resources were immediately dispatched to each incident. All but one are affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land:

• The Kelsey Peak Fire is currently the largest fire, estimated to be 20 and 30 acres this morning. There is no easy road access to this fire; it requires an hour and a half hike to reach it. Steep terrain is creating safety and logistical challenges for firefighters, and crews on the line witnessed a notable increase in fire behavior early this morning with tree torching and spot fires reported. This fire will be a priority for firefighters and aircraft today.
• The Bald Ridge Fire #2 was located and caught at a quarter-acre overnight. It’s currently 100% lined and 45% mopped up. Resources will work to further mop-up operations today.
• The Cold Springs Fire was caught overnight at 1/10 of an acre. Firefighters have lined and mopped up 25% of the incident and spent the rest of the evening doing extensive saw work.
• The Marial, Mule Creek, Ditch Creek, and Bald Ridge fires were all estimated to be between 1/100 and 1/10 of an acre by our recon flight last night. Firefighters spent hours hiking in these areas to find the best access, but couldn’t locate them due to steep slopes, heavy brush and vegetation, and dark conditions. Recon flights this morning will check on these fires and help guide firefighters to them if they’re visible.
• The Hewitt Creek Fire is likely on U.S. Forest Service land. Firefighters hiked around in the area but couldn’t locate the fire last night. Assistance to our partners on this incident will be provided as available today.

“Some of the toughest ground in the nation to fight fire on is in the Lower Rogue Corridor,” ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dan Quinones said. “With one fire reaching 20 to 30 acres overnight, that fire behavior will only pick up in the heat. We’re getting a move on this; the battle won’t get any easier than it is right now.”

Additional fires burning in these areas are on ground protected by our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Coos Forest Protective Association; please follow their pages for additional fire updates. Collectively as a firefighting system, our continued goal is to keep all fires as small as possible and extinguish them as fast as we can.

Numerous resource orders have been made for today and tonight’s shift, however other large-scale fires across the state are creating challenges in filling every order. Today, two 20-person crews, four engines, two sets of fallers, one water tender, a Rapid Extraction Module (REMs) medical unit and overhead will be assigned to these incidents. Aircraft assigned currently includes four helicopters: one Type 1, two Type 2 and one Type 3. Other orders have been made and not yet filled. Resource orders will continue to be made for what’s needed on the ground despite these challenges and firefighters will strategically use what’s available.

Thunderstorms continue to remain in the forecast for today, bringing the potential for gusty wind on existing incidents and new fire starts from lightning. Extreme fire danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties; as firefighters work to extinguish these natural fire starts, help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. For fire information anytime, visit ODF’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com. BLM fire regulations can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/fire-restrictions

Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme in Jackson and Josephine Counties

August 10, 2025

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 10, 2025) – Due to dry vegetation, fire behavior, and consistent hot and windy conditions, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at two (2).

Beginning Tuesday morning at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:

• The use of power saws is prohibited, excluding electric chainsaws.
• The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
• The mowing of dry or dead grass is prohibited. This includes lawnmowers, weed eaters, and any other type of grass-trimming equipment. The mowing of green lawns is allowed at any time.
• The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.

The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:

• Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
• Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of dry vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.
• Fireworks on or within 1/8^th of a mile of ODF-protected land are prohibited. Fireworks are also prohibited on all BLM lands.
• Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s fire-safe instructions.
• The use of exploding targets is prohibited.
• The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning across southern Oregon, in effect now through Wednesday at 2 a.m. due to triple digit temperatures up to 110 degrees. These conditions, in combination with dry vegetation, naturally promote fire growth. Be aware of the increased risk and prevent fires by following the current regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season regulations, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Firefighters extinguish six-acre fire overnight

July 26, 2025

ANDERSON BUTTE, Ore. (July 26, 2025) – Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District firefighters have stopped a fire at just under six acres, originally reported early Saturday morning. The Anderson Butte Fire, located off of Anderson Butte Road west of Ashland and east of Buncom, is now fully lined and 90% mopped up, with work almost complete across the entire incident despite warm conditions, dry grass and steep slopes.

Just after midnight, ODF received a report of a fire on Anderson Butte Road. Upon arrival, resources found an estimated five-acre grassfire, burning on a steep slope through grass and brush. Firefighters worked quickly to line the fire with water, slowing its spread. This allowed resources to reinforce the line by hand, digging down to the bare dirt and holding it at an estimated six acres. Firefighters spent Saturday morning extinguishing flames and hotspots, keeping the fire out of trees and contained to its small footprint. By noon, the fire was fully lined and 60% mopped up, with this work nearing completion by 2:00 p.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Hot temperatures continue to dry out vegetation, steadily increasing the risk of fires starting and spreading; the majority of fires are human-caused and accidental, largely started by the activities that are regulated by ODF during fire season. Help prevent new fires from starting by following all current regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions.

This will be the only update on this incident. Fire season information is always available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.

Mop-up on Board Shanty Fire continues, incident transitions to smaller Type 4 team this weekend

July 25, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 25, 2025) – Firefighters assigned to the Board Shanty Fire, located south of Grants Pass, continue to make steady progress across the incident, extinguishing lingering coals and smoking debris. With this work ongoing during both day and night shifts, containment has now increased to 45% on the 469-acre fire. Due to the progress and current status of the incident, the local Type 3 team that has been in command of the fire will transition to a smaller local Type 4 organization to complete the rest of the work beginning Saturday morning.

Currently, there are 183 personnel assigned to the Board Shanty Fire, with 115 working during the day and the remainder assigned to the night shift. These resources will continue mop-up work, building depth on the line to the point where 300 feet into the interior of the fire is free of heat or smoke. As this work is completed and the line is strengthened, containment will continue to increase.

Aircraft is available today if needed, and a reconnaissance flight is scheduled for 2 p.m. to search for any visible smoke over the fire and direct ground crews where needed. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area to create a safe airspace for fire-related aircraft when needed. As a reminder, flying drones over or near a fire is illegal and incredibly dangerous to working aircraft; if you fly, we can’t.

On Thursday evening, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management canceled all remaining Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notices for Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A. To learn your zone, visit: https://protect.genasys.com and enter your address in the search bar.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This will be the final update on this incident unless conditions significantly change. Help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place:

• ODF Southwest Oregon: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
• BLM Medford District: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Containment grows to 37% across Board Shanty Fire

July 24, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 24, 2025) – The 469-acre Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, continues to be mopped up by firefighters around the clock. Resources on both Wednesday’s day and overnight shifts pushed forward on progress, bringing containment up to 37% by Thursday morning.

Today, firefighters will continue this work, with 204 personnel assigned to Thursday’s day shift, including eight 20-person crews, two engines, five water tenders, a set of fallers and various overhead. Resources will spend the day searching for hotspots, or areas with remaining heat or embers that could flare up again in hot conditions and reignite the fire. By methodically extinguishing these areas, the overall line built around the fire is strengthened and containment increases. In most areas, the fire has been mopped up 200 feet from the line into the interior of the fire; these areas will continue to be checked, and further progress into the fire continues to be a goal. Tonight, 105 personnel will be assigned to the fire to continue mopping up. This includes four 20-person crews, two engines, two water tenders and overhead.

Aircraft is available today if needed, however the majority of the work remaining must be done by firefighters on the ground. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area to create a safe airspace for fire-related aircraft when needed. As a reminder, flying drones over or near a fire is illegal and incredibly dangerous to aircraft working the fire and the firefighters on the ground below. All drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have issued a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice for Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place:

• ODF Southwest Oregon: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
• BLM Medford District: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Local Type 3 team takes command of Board Shanty Fire, continues mop-up operations across incident

July 23, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 23, 2025) – Firefighters continued to mop up the Board Shanty Fire overnight, located south of Grants Pass, making steady progress bolstering lines and extinguishing hot spots. Resources are holding the fire within its perimeter lines at 469 acres and have not seen any growth or threat to the lines. Currently, firefighters have mopped up 200-feet from the line into the interior of the fire, bringing containment up to 30% this morning. A local Type 3 team is now managing the fire, transferred over from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3).

“ODF CIMT 3 made fast work on this fire, and got us to a solid place in mop-up,” said Incident Commander Jake Kurzyniec. “We’re going to continue to push forward on that progress and extinguish it as quickly and safely as possible.”

Today, 204 personnel are assigned to the fire, including eight 20-person crews, two engines, five water tenders, a set of tree fallers and various overhead. Aircraft are also available if needed, and a reconnaissance flight is planned for 2 p.m. to survey the fire. All resources will continue with mop-up operations today with a goal of furthering these efforts an additional 50-feet into the fire’s interior on all sides. Safety remains a top priority for firefighters, as steep slopes, hazardous trees and rolling debris continue to pose risks and challenges.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have issued a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice for Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place:

• ODF Southwest Oregon: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
• BLM Medford District: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

For fire information anytime, visit our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or our website, www.swofire.com.

Firefighters continue mop-up, push containment to 20%  

July 22, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 22, 2025)—Firefighters working the 469-acre Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, pushed containment to 20% and cooled the perimeter 200-feet into the incident from the fire’s edge. Today, crews will continue mop-up operations along all sides of the fire as they push deeper into the interior and cool hot spots.

This morning, members from a local ODF type-three incident management team will shadow Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) and take command of the incident tomorrow.

“The Grants Pass community is in great hands with the incoming ODF incident management team,” said Deputy Incident Commander Eric Perkins. “We work closely with these folks every summer. They know the terrain and the community, and there isn’t a better team to take over this fire.”

Firefighters continue to push further towards the interior of the fire, bolstering the strength of the lines. Today, crews will extinguish hotspots identified and flagged by nightshift crews using handheld infrared cameras to detect heat.

“We’re really thankful for all the hard work that ODF Team 3 put into this fire to protect the community and keep it as small as possible,” said Jake Kurzyniec, Incident Commander of the incoming ODF IMT. “We’re in a good place to wrap this up quickly.”

While mop up continues, there still may be visible smoke from burning material on the interior of the fire. Perimeter lines are secure, and crews remain vigilant watching for burning rolling material on steep slopes.

Evacuations: Josephine County Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A are now under a Level 1- BE READY. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have removed all evacuation notices. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Aviation assets assigned to the nearby Grizzly Complex will remain on station for initial attack. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Resources from ODF Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF CIMT 3 responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

ODF fire regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

Firefighters continue mop up, prepare to transition incident to local incident management team  

July 21, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 21, 2025)—Crews on the 469-acre Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, continue mop-up operations along all sides of the fire as they work to cool the perimeter with water until heat is removed. Containment remains at 14%.

Today, officials with Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) began to in brief members from a local, ODF type-three incident management team. Tomorrow, the new team will shadow ODF CIMT 3 and take command of the incident on the morning of Wednesday, July 23.

Today, crews mopped up 100 feet towards the interior of the fire around the entire fire line, and up to 200 feet in some areas. Work continues to push further towards the interior of the fire, bolstering the strength of the lines.

While mop up continues, there still may be visible smoke from burning material in the interior of the fire. Perimeter lines are secure, and crews remain vigilant watching for burning rolling material on steep slopes and spot fires.

Evacuations: Josephine County Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A are now under a Level 1- BE READY. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have removed all evacuation notices. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Today, aviation assets helped extinguish hot spots within the fire and remain on station for initial attack. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Resources from ODF Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF CIMT 3 responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on Friday, July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

ODF fire regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

This will be the last evening update unless conditions change significantly.
Morning updates will continue.

Lines secure on Board Shanty Fire, evacuation levels reduced in Jackson and Josephine counties  

July 21, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 21, 2025)—Crews on the Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, continue mop-up operations along all sides of the fire as they work to cool the perimeter with water until heat is removed. Containment remains at 14% on the 469-acre fire.

Crews have mopped up towards the interior of the fire between 50-100 feet around the entire fire line, and up to 200 feet in some areas. Work continues to push further towards the interior of the fire, bolstering the strength of the lines built.

With the Board Shanty Fire 100% lined, and mop up progressing, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management announced reduced evacuation levels. Josephine County Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A are now under a Level 1- BE READY. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have removed all evacuation notices. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

“We’re glad to see progress on mop up to the point where evacuation levels are reduced,” said ODF CIMT3 Incident Commander Tyler McCarty. “Community and firefighter safety is always the first priority for our teams.”

While mop up continues, there still may be visible smoke from burning material on the interior of the fire. Perimeter lines are secure, and crews remain vigilant watching for burning rolling material on steep slopes.

Aviation assets are still available today to help extinguish hot spots within the fire and remain on station for initial attack. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Resources from Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on Friday, July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

ODF fire regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Board Shanty Fire 100% lined, mop-up operations continue

July 20, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 20, 2025)—Crews on the Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, continue mop-up operations along all sides of the fire as they work to cool the perimeter with water until heat is removed. Containment remains at 9% on the 469-acre fire.

Today, crews mopped up to 50-100 feet into the interior of the fire on the northeast flank, and 30-50 feet on the southern area, even up to 75-100 feet in several areas. Crews continue to improve control lines and add additional water supplies around the fire to bolster mop up.

“Mop up is 90% of wildland firefighting,” said ODF CIMT3 Incident Commander Tyler McCarty. “Our mission now is to ensure that this fire is dead out to keep it from reheating when the temperatures rise again this summer. It’s difficult. It’s arduous. And it’s absolutely imperative. Our firefighters are diligent and putting in the work.”

Along the next ridge south of the fire, bulldozers are nearly finished clearing a contingency line, as the extreme slopes continue to pose a hazard for burning rolling debris that may cross fire lines. Firefighters remain vigilant in assessing hazards and patrolling for spot fires in the area.

Aviation assets were used today to help extinguish hot spots within the fire and remain on station for initial attack. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448-B. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Resources from Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on Friday, July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

ODF fire regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Firefighters continue to hold the Board Shanty Fire at 469 acres, slowly increasing containment  

July 20, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 19, 2025)—Last night’s cooler temperatures allowed crews working on the Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, to hold control lines and finish installing hose lays around the full perimeter, recently mapped with infrared at 469 acres. Containment this morning sits at 9%.

Today, firefighters will continue mop-up on all flanks of the fire. Mopping up is the arduous process of digging around the burnt edge of fire lines and cooling the area with water until all heat is removed.

Last night, crews mopped up to 30 feet into the interior of the fire on the northeast flank, and nearly 50 feet from the northwest to southwest portion of the fire. Water has been plumbed on the southern edge, inside the north bank of Shanty Creek, allowing mop up to begin there.

“It was important to us to keep the fire from the community’s emergency response radio tower near the top of the ridge and firefighters made sure that happened. It was a great save to allow emergency communications to continue uninterrupted for the local communities,” said ODF CIMT3 Deputy Incident Commander Eric Perkins.

Extreme slopes continue to pose a hazard for burning rolling debris that may cross fire lines. Firefighters remain vigilant in assessing hazards and patrolling for spot fires in the area.

Aviation resources will continue with water drops today to cool hot spots, allowing ground crews to mop up around the fire perimeter. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448-B. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Resources from Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on Friday, July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

ODF fire regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

BLM fire regulations: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Firefighters hold lines, continue to make significant progress on the Board Shanty Fire  

July 19, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 19, 2025)—Today, crews working on the Board Shanty Fire, south of Grants Pass, established direct control line around the fire’s southeast edge. Due to steep slopes and rolling debris from overnight, the fire was mapped this afternoon at 469 acres, slightly increasing its footprint. With today’s work complete, control lines are secure around the area that saw new growth. Firefighters will continue to place hose lines around the fire, enabling crews to cool the fire’s edge.

“Things are looking promising, but there’s still a fight up there. Our focus remains on community and firefighter safety, and getting this fire off the map,” said Incident Commander Tyler McCarty. “We’re proud of the crews and all their hard work.”

Hand crews held the fire north of Shanty Creek and continued to establish a contingency line on the ridges south of Shanty Creek. High temperatures and gusty winds continue to drive fire behavior and have the potential to loft embers outside the fire. Firefighters remain vigilant in patrolling for spot fires in the area but have found none.

Aviation resources continued with water drops to cool and slow fire growth today so ground crews can fortify containment lines. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448-B. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Resources from Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT-3) responded to the Board Shanty Fire Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire on Friday, July 18. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or www.swofire.com.

A combination of hot temperatures and dry vegetation continues to increase the risk of fires starting and spreading. Help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Board Shanty Fire personnel maintain control lines and report four percent containment  

July 19, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 19, 2025)—Last night, incident resources maintained the direct lines on the north end of the fire and used established hose lays to begin cooling the north perimeter. On the south end, the fire escaped initial control lines yesterday and new lines were established, still holding the fire north of Shanty Creek. With perimeter established and some mop-up work beginning, the fire is estimated at 409 acres and containment is reported this morning at 4%.

High temperatures and gusty winds are anticipated again today, which will drive active fire behavior. Crews and heavy equipment on the ground will hold and improve established lines to the north, continue strengthening direct line to the south, and hold the current fire perimeter. Smoke may be visible in the area throughout the day.

Air resources, including helicopters, air tankers and air attack planes, will again assist ground crews with water and retardant drops. Helicopters will be most used, aiding in cooling portions of the fire so ground crews can build on containment lines, holding the fire in its current footprint. As a reminder, drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth; help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448-B. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Resources from ODF Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF CIMT 3 responded to the rapidly growing Board Shanty Fire around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire in the morning on Friday, July 18.

For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Firefighters continue an aggressive attack on the Board Shanty Fire, GPS mapped at 409 acres  

July 18, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 18, 2025)—Today, incident resources continued an aggressive extended attack on the 409-acre Board Shanty Fire, located south of Grants Pass. Firefighters continued direct suppression tactics amid very active fire behavior, which generated a large column and smoky conditions. Heavy smoke may continue into the evening and will likely dissipate with cooler temperatures, similar to last night.

Firefighters successfully held the fire north of Board Shanty Creek and were able to build hand and bulldozer containment lines along the majority of the fire, tying together the north, west and south sides, and even adding hose lays to the north and west ends of the fire for water access. Firefighters continue to focus on the head of the fire along the eastern side, as they attempt to put in direct and contingency lines.

Crews were greatly aided by water and retardant drops from aviation assets. Drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

Fire behavior is expected to remain active tonight, and incident resources will continue an aggressive extended attack overnight as they attempt to complete containment and hold the fire within its current footprint.

Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth; help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-Aunder a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448-B. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Resources from ODF Southwest Oregon District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Rogue Valley fire agencies and ODF CIMT 3 responded to the rapidly growing Board Shanty Fire around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. ODF CIMT 3 took command of the fire in the morning on Friday, July 18.

For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Oregon Dept. of Forestry CIMT 3 takes command of the 300-acre Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass  

July 18, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 18, 2025)—Following an aggressive overnight attack by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) took command of the estimated 300-acre Board Shanty Fire, located south of Grants Pass, this morning at 6:00 a.m.

Taking advantage of cooler temperatures overnight, crews established 5,000 feet of handline along Board Shanty Road on the northeast perimeter of the fire and slowed growth at the head. Firefighters are facing very active fire behavior, including frequent spotting over the line, as well as overhead hazards, such as standing dead timber that could fall. Today, crews will continue aggressive, direct firefighting tactics as they look to connect line from the head to the heal of the fire with the assistance of aviation.

Yesterday evening, ODF Southwest Oregon District responded to the rapidly growing Board Shanty Fire around 5:00 p.m., as well as numerous engines from Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, a contingent of engines from Rogue Valley fire agencies and resources reassigned from the Grizzly Complex.

The team will be in command of the Board Shanty Fire in addition to the 22 fully lined fires within the Grizzly Complex, which is currently at 79% containment with over half of the fires at 90% or more containment. ODF CIMT 3 was initially ordered Tuesday, July 8 to take command of 22 of the fires within the Grizzly Complex.

Hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty wind conditions persist in the area, naturally increasing fire risk and contributing to potential fire growth; help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. If your weekend plans take you outside, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Due to the Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management placed Zones JCU-436 and JCU-437 under a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate notice and a Level 1 – BE READY for JCU-448. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have placed Zone JAC-068 under a Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notice. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com.

Aircraft will be used heavily today to help suppress the fire. Drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Grizzly Complex in latter stages of mop-up, repair work begins across most fires

July 16, 2025

This will be the final update on these incidents unless conditions significantly change

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 16, 2025)—Fire lines across the Grizzly Complex are holding strong as firefighters work to finalize containment and extinguish remaining hot spots. The overall containment across the complex reached 58%, with all fires individually at least 50% contained. Over half of the fires reached 90% or more containment and are being actively patrolled for potential flare-ups, although none have been found to date.

Tonight, overnight crews will continue using handheld infrared (IR) cameras to locate hot spots and ensure the perimeter areas are free of fire and heat. Tomorrow, continued progress is expected, with day crews aiming to complete 300 feet of mop-up into the fire perimeters, extinguishing all fire or heat throughout these areas. This progress will allow repair work to begin and enable some resources to be released from the fire line. Initial attack resources from ODF CIMT 3 remain ready to respond to any new flare-ups or fire starts in the area alongside the ODF Southwest Oregon District. Some smoke may still be visible from the center of fire perimeters.

On Monday, July 7, a thunderstorm moved into southern Oregon, bringing more than 1,300 lightning strikes to Jackson and Josephine counties. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District dispatch centers were immediately flooded with calls of reported fires; by midnight, more than 50 reports of fires had been taken and recorded, and firefighters were engaged in an aggressive initial attack on numerous incidents. Resources made quick work of a number of fires, including the Pompadour Fire in the hills east of Ashland. Firefighters were able to stop its growth and fully build a line around its perimeter at 38 acres, protecting numerous homes in the area.

Due to the amount of reports, a large number of fires were called in multiple times from residents viewing the same fire in different locations; with these complexities added onto the fast paced and massive workload on ODF Southwest’s dispatchers and firefighters, 72 fires were initially reported in Jackson and Josephine counties on ODF-protected land. District staff worked around the clock on these incidents, dispatching resources to new fires, flying numerous reconnaissance flights daily and monitoring strike areas across the district to determine fire locations and status, allocating resources to the incidents where they were most needed and strategizing where the next need would be.

ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) was ordered Tuesday afternoon and took command of 22 of the fires the following morning, with the Oregon Southwest District continuing an aggressive attack on the remaining fires in Jackson and Josephine counties, while continuing to respond to new reports of human-caused fires; since Monday’s thunderstorm, the ODF Southwest Oregon District has responded to and extinguished an additional 13 human-caused fires on top of the lighting starts, the largest being caught immediately at 12 acres.

With mapping, reconnaissance flights, detection center scans, and firefighters ground truthing all reports, the district has responded to 52 fires since last Monday. Between the work from ODF CIMT 3 and the ODF Southwest Oregon District, all fires are now 100% lined and mostly, if not entirely, mopped up. All fires were caught at 250 acres or less, with the majority in the range of 1/10 of an acre to 10 acres in size.

All of these fires were stopped due to the collective work of firefighters from across local, state and federal agencies. These partnerships between organizations in southern Oregon played a large role in the success of these incidents. ODF CIMT 3, ODF Southwest Oregon District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District would like to extend a thank-you to the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, CALFIRE, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #5, Greensprings Rural Fire District, Colestin Rural Fire Protection District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Williams Fire Rescue, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Jackson County Fire District 1, Rural Metro Fire, Illinois Valley Fire District, Lake Creek Fire District, Jackson County Fire District 3, Medford Fire Department, Jacksonville Fire Department, Jackson County Fire District 4, Prospect Rural Fire Protection District and Butte Falls Volunteer Fire and Rescue. We would also like to recognize Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Emergency Management, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation, Pacific Power and Light, Jackson County Roads and numerous other entities that have responded alongside us and contributed to the overall success of these fires. Additionally, thank you to the communities that we serve; your support during these incidents has been seen and greatly appreciated by all firefighters.

Slight chances of thunderstorms remain in the forecast for this evening and tomorrow, along with hot temperatures, low humidity and wind. These conditions naturally increase fire risk and contribute to fire growth; help prevent the next wildfire by following all local regulations, found here: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. As the weekend approaches, please be aware of the fire risks and recreate safely: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notices remain in place for zones JAC-542, JAC-558, and Zone JAC-536. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com. All lanes on Interstate 5 are now open, but firefighters are still working in the area. Please be aware and use caution when traveling near any fire zones.

Aircraft remain on standby, and drone use near fires is both illegal and extremely dangerous to pilots working on incidents. If you fly, we can’t. All illegal drone use will be reported to law enforcement.

This will be the final update on these incidents unless conditions significantly change. For more fire information, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Current status of the fires under ODF CIMT3 Incident Management:

All fires listed below are confirmed lightning-caused, are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up or repair. Crews are focusing on extinguishing hot spots along fire perimeters and may reassign resources to other fires in the region.

The following fires have been confirmed to be lightning-caused and were kept under the management of the ODF Southwest Oregon District: