Restrictions on Industrial Slash Burning Lifted, Expect Additional Burns During Cool, Wet Weather

November 1, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Nov. 1, 2021) – A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain has prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective immediately. As a result, prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. Additional information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/burn.aspx

These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations. Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day:

• Jackson County: (541) 776-7007
• Josephine County: (541) 476-9663

Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread during dry periods in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.

After Nearly 150 Days, Fire Season Ends on the ODF Southwest Oregon District

October 25, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 25, 2022) – After a long, dry, and un-seasonably warm season, the 2022 fire season on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially ending on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. The ending of the 2022 season eliminates all public regulated use restrictions and industrial fire precaution level requirements. This announcement affects 1.8 million acres across Jackson and Josephine counties. This fire season on the Southwest Oregon District spanned 147 days.

“We’ve seen longer seasons that have hung on into late October and November before, but it’s been unseasonably dry this month,” said Tyler McCarty, Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Southern Oregon is very fire prone, but the heightened risk has passed at this point with the amount rain we’ve received this week.”

Between the start of the fire season on June 1 to October 25, there have been 240 fires across the district for a little over 21,703 acres burned. Lightning proved to be the main catalyst for fire starts in the season, causing 72 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, including the Westside Complex in Jackson County and the Lightning Gulch complex in Josephine County. These complexes were made up of more than 50 fire starts caused by lightning strikes, spawning the Rum Creek and Hog Creek Fires near Merlin. The Rum Creek Fire would become the season’s largest fire, burning a total of 21,347 acres, destroying two homes, six structures, and taking the life of contract firefighter Logan Taylor.

“Logan paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect southern Oregon, and we’re so humbled and appreciative of how the community joined us in honoring him and his service,” McCarty said. “We’ve been fortunate on the Southwest Oregon District to not lose many firefighters, and Logan’s passing has touched everyone in our firefighting community. Our thoughts and prayers are still with his family and friends every day.”

The Rum Creek Fire was ignited by lightning on August 17 and was operationally taken over by Northwest Incident Management Team 13 on August 21. Near the end of August, gusting winds pushed the fire from under 1,000 acres to more than 8,400, and ODF Incident Management Team 1 and an Oregon State Fire Marshal IMT were ordered to work in unified command with Northwest IMT 13. All of Galice was evacuated, as well as surrounding rural residences, and portions of the Rogue River and recreational areas were closed as firefighters worked to create a containment line around the fire. On September 6, Northern Rockies Team 6 replaced Northwest IMT 13. By September 16, all evacuations had been lifted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. All teams demobilized by late September when the fire was declared 90% contained on Sept. 23.

The largest fires of the season on the district are listed below:

Despite challenges from dry fuels, hot temperatures, and windy conditions throughout the season, ODF firefighters kept 96.6% of fires at 10 acres or less within Jackson and Josephine counties, just shy of ODF’s protection goal of 98%.

The termination of fire season removes fire prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning. This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestlands; however, industrial slash burning is still prohibited. Many structural fire agencies require permits for residential debris burning, please check with your local fire department to obtain any necessary permits before burning and ensure it’s a burn day designated by the county you reside:

• Jackson County Burn Line: (541) 776-7007
• Josephine County Burn Line: (541) 476-9663

Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.

Widespread Rain Allows for Decrease in Fire Danger

October 22, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2022) – Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible to ease off on some public fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green) on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at I (one).

In low fire danger, fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

The industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will remain at I (one). Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

• A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, http://www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Mop-Up Work Continues on Anderson Butte Fire

October 3, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (Oct. 3, 2022) – Progress continues on the Anderson Butte Fire, located on Bureau of Land Management land approximately seven miles as the crow flies south of Jacksonville. The containment lines held today, and firefighters made significant progress mopping up, reaching 60% completion. The fire remains 25.5 acres in size.

Tonight, 93 people are assigned to the fire, including four 20-person crews, two engines, four water tenders and numerous ODF overhead personnel. Their goals and safety concerns remain the same; firefighters will continue to mop up while remaining aware of hazardous trees and the potential for rolling debris on steep parts of the fire’s terrain.

The Anderson Butte Fire was first reported Sunday, October 2 at approximately 3:30 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  No homes were threatened on this incident. As progress is continuing steadily, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Anderson Butte Fire 100% Lined Overnight, Mop-up Work Begins

October 3, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (Oct. 3, 2022) – Firefighters engaged on the Anderson Butte Fire, located on Bureau of Land Management land approximately seven miles as the crow flies south of Jacksonville, made excellent progress overnight, completely lining the entire perimeter of the fire. GPS mapping indicates resources were able to catch it at 25.5 acres, which is considered the fire’s final size.

Overnight, firefighters were able to meet and exceed their goals of not only lining the fire, but also plumbing the entire incident with fire hose. One of the challenges on this incident is the remote area where the fire is located; by plumbing the perimeters, firefighters now have access to water throughout the entire fire. Once this work was complete, crews were able to begin mop-up operations, reaching 20-feet into the perimeter on all sides by morning.

On Monday, resources will continue to mop up further into the fire, while keeping safety a top priority. Another challenge on this incident is the steep slope which the fire is burning on. This type of terrain poses dangers to our firefighters, including hazard ‘snag’ trees and rolling debris. Today, four 20-person crews, four engines, three water tenders and various overhead are assigned to the fire, totaling near 100 people. Aircraft are not assigned to this incident, however helicopters will be called in if needed.

The Anderson Butte Fire was first reported Sunday, October 2 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Multiple resources responded initially, including our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. No homes were ever threatened on this incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Widespread Rain Allows For Additional Decreases in Fire Danger Regulations

September 20, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 20, 2022) – Continued widespread rain and more in the forecast has made it possible to continue to ease off on some public and industrial fire prevention regulations on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District. Effective Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “moderate” (blue), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) in Jackson and Josephine Counties.

For public use, restrictions on chain saws, brush cutters and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery are being further relaxed, allowing the use of equipment on until 1:00 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.

Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestlands.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations clear of vegetation.
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
• Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.
• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high moderate danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:

• A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152

Additional information about fire season is also available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Fire Danger Level Decreases to High on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties

September 18, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2022) – Recent rain and continued precipitation in the forecast has prompted the fire danger level to decrease. On Monday, September 19, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties will decrease to “high” (yellow). This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at II (two).

This change in the fire danger level allows for the use of power-driven equipment again, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be allowed before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. every day. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.

Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels
• No fireworks on or within 1/8^th of a mile of forestlands
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
• Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations
• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling
• Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations
• Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
• The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
• Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation

Under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:

• Power saws, except at loading sites
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.

Reward Offered in Prospect Area Arson Investigations

September 16, 2022

PROSPECT, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2022) – A reward of $1,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest following several fires determined to be arson in northeastern Jackson County this fire season. The reward is being offered by the Rogue Forest Protective Association (RFPA), the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District’s governing board, and Murphy Timber Investments.

Since late July, firefighters with the ODF Southwest Oregon District have responded to at least 18 small fires in and around the Prospect area. Ten were reported on ODF-protected land and eight were mutual aid incidents, in conjunction with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The latest three fires occurred early Thursday morning and burned a total of half an acre.

Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding these fires to call the Medford ODF office at (541) 664-3328; tips may be made anonymously. In the event a tip is provided and used by investigators, law enforcement will determine if the information provided aided in the arrest and the reward is warranted.

The RFPA is made up of a board of directors tasked with guiding the Southwest Oregon District through budgeting, staffing and all matters related to operations. Information on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level Deceases to Two, Effective Immediately

September 12, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Following a weekend with the potential for increased fire behavior, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will decrease to II (two) on the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, effective immediately. Red flag weather warnings prompted the increase to IFPL three last Wednesday, but a significant shift in the weather has allowed for the change in fire prevention measures on industrial operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations. This change is reflected in Jackson and Josephine counties only.

For the general public, ODF Southwest’s fire restrictions remain in effect and unchanged with a fire danger level of “extreme” (red).

Under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:

• Power saws, except at loading sites
• Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
• Cable yarding
• Blasting
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.

Fire Prevention Regulations Increase for Industrial Operations This Week

September 7, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 7, 2022) –  Dry fuels and dangerous fire weather patterns forecasted across forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has made it necessary to increase the fire prevention measures on industrial operations, such as logging sites and other commercial operations. As a result, Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL 3) will take effect Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. This regulation increase impacts industrial operations in Jackson and Josephine counties only.

For the general public, ODF Southwest’s fire restrictions remain in effect and unchanged with a fire danger level of “extreme” (red).

Under IFPL III, the following are prohibited between 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.:

• Power saws at loading sites;
• Loading or hauling of any product or material;
• Blasting;
• Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal;
• Any other spark emitting operation not specifically

In addition, the following are permitted to operate overnight to the morning, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., where mechanized equipment capable of constructing fire line is immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start:

• Ground-based operations (tractor/skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations);
• Power saws on ground-based operations;
• Rotary head saw feller-bunchers with a continuous Firewatch;
• Non-rotary head saw feller-bunchers;
• Tethered logging – winch-assisted, cable-assisted, traction-assisted, etc. systems, which enable ground- based timber harvesting machines to operate on steep slopes

This is considered a restricted shutdown and the following activities are not permitted at any time, except as noted:

• Cable yarding systems, except that gravity operated logging systems using non-motorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., when all blocks and moving lines are suspended at least 10 feet above the ground (except the line between the carriage and the chokers).

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District, or call the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

• Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point | (541) 664-3328
• Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass | (541) 474-3152

Thunderstorms Spark Numerous Small Fires in Jackson County

September 7, 2022

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 7, 2022) – Firefighters have spent most of Wednesday aggressively engaged on numerous fires across the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s protection area within the Medford Unit in Jackson County following early morning thunderstorms. The majority of lightning strikes landed on the east side of the county, although a few were recorded in the valley near Talent.

While 11 fires were reported throughout the morning, five were either duplicate reports or not smoke or fire. Two were on Forest Service land, which we responded with our federal partners to, affecting both the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest. The final four reports were found to be legitimate fires on our protection area, three affecting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and one on private:

• The Coon Creek Fire, located to the southeast of Lake Creek Reservoir on private land. This fire was caught at 1/10^th of an acre. It is 100% lined and mopped up.
• The Conde Creek Fire, located to the northwest of Howard Prairie Lake on BLM land. This fire was caught 1/100^th of an acre. It is 100% lined and mopped up.
• The Clarks Creek Fire, located to the southeast of Lost Creek Lake on BLM land. This fire was caught at 1/100^th of an acre. It is 100% lined and mopped up.
• The North Fork Clark Creek Fire, located near to the north of the Clark Creek Fire on BLM land. This fire was caught at 1/10^th of an acre. It is 100% lined and mopped up.

Several reconnaissance flights by our fixed wing air attack platform have been conducted across the areas affected by lightning; we’ll continue to monitor areas where lightning struck by air, ground and our extensive camera detection system. Additional thunderstorms remain in the forecast for the remainder of the day on Wednesday, with a red flag warning and heat advisories taking effect across areas of the district through the end of the week.

Firefighters throughout southern Oregon are dedicated to protecting our counties and aggressively attacking fires. ODF appreciates the support of our partner agencies and communities as we continue to be vigilant through the end of fire season. Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Public Memorial Service Planned for Fallen Wildland Firefighter Logan Taylor

August 24, 2022

MEDFORD, Ore. (Aug. 24, 2022) – Wildland firefighter Logan Taylor, who died battling the Rum Creek Fire, will be honored early next week in a public memorial service. The service will be held Monday, August 29 at 10 a.m. at Harry and David Field, 2929 S. Pacific Highway in Medford, donated by the Medford Rogues baseball team. Members of the public who wish to honor Logan Taylor are invited to attend.

Taylor, 25, of Talent, Oregon, was the owner and operator of Sasquatch Reforestation, a local forestry company. On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Taylor was struck by a tree while working on the Rum Creek Fire outside of Grants Pass, Oregon. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) immediately deployed a helicopter and personnel to the fire and airlifted Taylor out of the mountainous terrain to an awaiting Mercy Flights helicopter, which transported him to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Despite lifesaving efforts by firefighters and EMS personnel assigned to the fire and responding medical staff, Taylor succumbed to his injuries. The incident is under investigation and more details will be released as they are confirmed.

The family wishes to thank the community and local fire service for their thoughts, prayers and support through this difficult time. Cards for Taylor’s family may be sent to the Oregon Department of Forestry Central Point Office:

Oregon Department of Forestry

Southwest Oregon District

Re: Logan Taylor

5286 Table Rock Rd.

Central Point, OR 97502

Significant Progress Continues in Mop-Up Operations

August 22, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 22, 2022) – Significant progress has been made on the fires within the Westside and Lightning Gulch Complexes, located in Jackson and Josephine Counties respectively. Since Wednesday’s thunderstorm, approximately 50 fires resulted following lightning strikes across both counties. Windy conditions that were expected to test fire lines today did not break any perimeters and all lines are holding strong. Mop-up operations are steadily continuing and fire activity is extremely limited to none.

On the Westside Complex, there were originally eight fires burning on and around Tallowbox Mountain in the Applegate Valley. Of those, only three remain in mop-up status; 180 acres were burned total on this complex. On the Lightning Gulch Complex, 40 plus fires were reported following the storms, the only fires that remain active are the Rum Creek and Hog Creek Fires. The command of these two fires have been transferred to Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 13. For future updates on these two incidents, follow https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.

Today on the Chapman Fire, an adult in custody firefighter suffered a medical emergency and needed to be removed from the fire line. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue dispatched their contracted helicopter to the incident and short-hauled the firefighter to the road when the individual was taken by Mercy Flights to a local hospital. The firefighter’s condition is unknown at this time.

When mop-up operations on the fires conclude, firefighters will be conducting suppression repair activities on these incidents. The objective of suppression repair is to mitigate any adverse effects to the land, water and property resources directly resulting from fire suppression activities. Primary suppression repair needs are erosion control, preventing the establishment of noxious weeds, preventing public access into the burn area vis vehicles and/or OHVs, and clean-up of refuse from suppression activities.

No homes were ever directly threatened, despite the large number of fires on the landscape, and no evacuation orders were ever placed. Oregon Department of Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management would like to thank our partner agencies who dedicated time and resources to help suppress these fires.

Due to the status of these fires, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Despite Windy Conditions, All Fire Lines Remain Strong

August 21, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 21, 2022) – Despite windy conditions that threatened control lines, all perimeters remained strong and intact today, allowing firefighters to meet their goal for the day. The teamwork between air and ground resources prevented all fires from spotting over lines, and while some aircraft were utilized, the majority of their work was keeping the interiors of fires in check. All fires within the Westside Complex are in full mop-up operations. There are currently 593 personnel assigned to the Westside Complex split between day and night shift. Personnel include 33 crews, 18 timber fallers, 43 engine and equipment operators, and 23 overhead personnel.

In Josephine County, fires within the Lightning Gulch Complex still under ODF management are fully lined and in mop-up, including the two holdover fires discovered Saturday evening in the Jack Creek area. Northwest Incident Management Team 13 is now overseeing the Rum Creek and Hog Creek fires. For more information on those fires visit https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022 or on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/.

No homes are threatened, and no evacuation orders have been placed. Please be aware of any potential changes and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for any evacuation information.

New starts from human-caused fires continue to be minimal. ODF fire managers and our partners appreciate the attention to fire prevention. The district remains in extreme fire danger with many fire-prone activities prohibited; a current list of regulations is available on https://swofire.com/. If your plans include traveling to other parts of the state, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx to learn about fire restrictions in those areas.

As a reminder, the Bureau of Land Management has closed the Rainie Falls Trail until further notice. Please help us protect firefighters and first responders by avoiding Galice Road and the Grave Creek area. The BLM is encouraging recreational boaters to avoid the river between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

PNW Team 13 Takes Over Rum Creek, Hog Creek Fires, Progress Continues on All Others

August 21, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 21, 2022) – Of the 50 plus lightning-caused fires from the August 17th thunderstorm that peppered Jackson and Josephine counties, just one fire, Rum Creek, remains without a complete containment line. The Rum Creek fire is currently estimated at about 100 acres. Collectively, the fires from the Westside and Lightning Gulch complexes have burned a little over 300 acres with Rum Creek (100), Ladybug (87), Keeler (60, pictured) and Tallowbox (26) being the largest.

Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 13, led by Incident Commander Brian Gales, officially took command of the Rum Creek and Hog Creek fires within the Lightning Gulch Complex this morning. An official Facebook page has been created for these two incidents and all future updates will be posted here: https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.

Local resources will continue to mop-up and patrol the other smaller fires in the area. Crews are also working on two lightning-caused holdover fires discovered early last night in the Jack Creek area. Each of the two fires is less than two acres in size. While a third fire was initially reported, crews have not been able to locate it; resources assigned to the other two incidents will be able to provide a swift response should the third fire not be a duplicate report.

Increased winds forecasted for this afternoon are expected to test established fire lines as crews continue the mop-up process.  No homes are threatened, and no evacuation orders have been placed. Please be aware of any potential changes and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for any evacuation information.

Firefighter success over the past week can be attributed to many things, including quick and efficient response by initial attack resources, the availability of resources at the height of fire season, and cooperating weather. The vigilance of our local communities has been just as critical in the prevention of human-caused fires that has allowed firefighters to focus on non-preventable lightning-caused fires. To date, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has responded to 131 human-caused fires that have burned just 71 acres this year, compared to our 10-year average of 164 human-caused fires for 520 acres. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate the partnerships we have with our communities in keeping human-caused fires off our landscape; it has been truly appreciated over the last couple days, especially.

As a reminder, the Bureau of Land Management has closed the Rainie Falls Trail until further notice. Please help us protect firefighters and first responders by avoiding Galice Road and the Grave Creek area. The BLM is encouraging recreational boaters to avoid the river between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

All Westside Complex Fire Lines Completed, Steady Progress Continues on Lightning Gulch Incidents

August 20, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 20, 2022) – Firefighters across Jackson and Josephine Counties continue to make steady progress on the Westside and Lightning Gulch Complexes. Crews completed fire line on several fires and are continuing mop-up operations across numerous incidents. In all, more than 50 reported lightning-caused fires from both complexes have burned a little over 300 acres.

Firefighters in Jackson County were able to meet their goal today, lining all fires within the Westside Complex. While crews have finished mopping up about half of the fires in the complex, mop-up operations are just getting underway on the Ladybug (87 acres), Keeler (60 acres) and Tallowbox (26 acres) fires. With containment lines completed, these numbers are expected to be their final sizes.

The Rum Creek Fire, located just north of Galice in Josephine County, is the lone fire within the Lightning Gulch Complex without established containment lines. The fire is estimated to be about 100 acres in size. Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 13, led by Incident Commander Brian Gales, has arrived, and will take command of Rum Creek and the Hog Creek Fire in the morning. Local resources will continue to mop-up and patrol the other smaller fires in the area. Three additional fires came to life in the Jack Creek area around 7:00 p.m. this evening. These new holdover fires from Wednesday evening’s thunderstorm are being handled quickly by responding crews in the area, each less than 1/10 of an acre in size.

No homes are threatened, and no evacuation orders have been placed. Please be aware of any potential changes and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for any evacuation information.

The Bureau of Land Management has closed the Rainie Falls Trail until further notice. Please help us protect firefighters and first responders by avoiding Galice Road and the Grave Creek area. The BLM is encouraging recreational boaters to avoid the river between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek.

Fire information is always available on our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Containment Lines Holding Across All Fires, Forward Progress Continues Across All Jackson and Josephine County Incidents

August 20, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 20, 2022) – Of the 54 fires ignited by Wednesday evening’s thunderstorm, the vast majority are extinguished. The Rum Creek Fire is currently posing the most challenges for firefighters, located north of Galice. Resources remain dedicated to the Westside Complex in Jackson County and the Lightning Gulch Complex in Josephine County. In all, over 800 firefighters are assigned to the two complexes, made up of 40 hand crews, 23 engines, 4 dozers and 8 helicopters.

The Rum Creek Fire, which is part of the Lightning Gulch Complex, is an estimated 75 acres. With terrain described by some firefighters as a mini-Grand Canyon, gaining access to corral the fire has remained the toughest test. Equipment operators were able to establish a dozer line at the top of the fire, where hand crews are working to tie into. Nearly 200 firefighters will continue to establish control lines along the fire’s perimeter while aircraft work to keep the edges cool in efforts to slow the fire’s spread. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered to alleviate pressure on local crews and free up resources for any new fire starts that may pop up. The team will arrive this afternoon for an in-brief and is expected to take command Sunday morning. The Hog Creek Fire, located north of Merlin, is completely lined and is holding at 26 acres. About 100 firefighters will focus on mop-up today under favorable weather conditions.

In Jackson County, fires within the Westside Complex are also fairing well. The Ladybug and Keeler fires are the two largest in the complex estimated at 80 and 60 acres respectively. Today’s goals are to line both fires this afternoon and begin mop-up operations. The Tallowbox Fire is 25 acres and is 90 percent lined.

No homes are threatened, and no evacuation orders have been placed. Please be aware of any potential changes and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for any evacuation information.

The Bureau of Land Management has closed the Rainie Falls Trail until further notice. Please help us protect firefighters and first responders by avoiding Galice Road and the Grave Creek area. The BLM is encouraging recreational boaters to avoid the river between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek.

Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Progress Remains Steady on Lightning Gulch, Westside Complexes

August 19, 2022

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 19, 2022) –  Firefighters continue to make progress on the Westside and Lightning Gulch Complexes in Jackson and Josephine counties. The National Weather Service reported Wednesday evening’s thunderstorm resulted in about 230 lightning strikes in the area, leading to more than 50 fires within Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District. These incidents are affecting both private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land. Detection aircraft identified 10 additional holdover fires this morning, the largest being the Big Water Branch Fire, which was stopped at three acres.

The majority of fires within the Westside Complex on Tallowbox Mountain south of Applegate are lined and in full mop-up. The two largest fires, Keeler and Ladybug Gulch, are estimated at 60 and 70 acres respectively. Firefighters have a goal of completing both fire lines by Saturday afternoon. A firefighter sustained a minor injury today on the Ladybug Gulch Fire. The firefighter was treated and released. Safety remains a top priority for all firefighters; fire line supervisors are regularly communicating safety briefings and messages to firefighters, and working together to identify and mitigate potential hazards and unsafe situations.

In Josephine County, the Hog Creek and Rum Creek fires remain priorities on the Lightning Gulch Complex. The Hog Creek Fire stands at 26 acres and is fully lined. The Rum Creek Fire, situated in rocky, steep terrain, poses the biggest challenge and is now estimated to be 60 acres in size with no containment. Air tankers and helicopters spent much of the day holding it in check while crews worked on establishing contingency lines away from the edge of the fire’s perimeter. Due to difficult terrain and a large amount of resources needed on these fire, a Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered to alleviate pressure on local crews and free up resources for any new fire starts that may. The team will arrive Saturday afternoon for an in-brief on both incidents; it is expected to take command Sunday morning.

The BLM has closed the Rainie Falls Trail until further notice due to fires that are close in proximity. The public is also asked to avoid Galice Road and the Grave Creek area in an effort to help protect firefighters and first responders while they remain dedicated to their incidents. The BLM is also encouraging recreational boaters to avoid the river between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek.

No homes are threatened, and no evacuation orders have been placed. Please be aware of any potential changes and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for any evacuation information.

Fire information is always available on our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Oregon Department of Forestry and Bureau of Land Management mourn the loss of firefighter Logan Taylor

August 19, 2022

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 18, 2022) – Oregon Department of Forestry and Bureau of Land Management officials are sadden to announce the death of 25-year-old wildland firefighter Logan Taylor of Talent, Oregon.

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, shortly after 4:00 p.m., dispatchers received information regarding a wildland firefighter that was critically injured after being struck by a tree on the Rum Creek Fire, located north of Galice. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) immediately deployed a helicopter and personnel to the fire and airlifted Taylor out of the mountainous terrain to an awaiting Mercy Flights helicopter, which transported him to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Despite lifesaving efforts by firefighters and EMS personnel assigned to the fire and responding medical staff, Taylor succumbed to his injuries. He was the operator of Sasquatch Reforestation, an ODF-contracted firefighting company.

“We are extremely saddened by the passing of Logan Taylor. This loss is deeply felt by our ODF family and throughout the wildland fire community as a whole,” said Tyler McCarty, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Safety remains our top priority. ODF and our partners are committed to learning from this accident and to doing everything we can to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.”

“A loss of a firefighter’s life impacts the whole firefighting community, and we send our condolences to the family friends and coworkers,” said Elizabeth Burghard, BLM Medford District Manager. “Safety is the number one priority for the BLM and our wildland firefighting partners. We want every firefighter to come home safely each day.”

The incident is under investigation and more details will be released as they are confirmed.