Medford and Grants Pass ODF Offices Opening at 10 a.m.

February 4, 2025

JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (February 4, 2025) – Due to winter weather conditions, both our Medford and Grants Pass ODF offices will open at 10 a.m. this morning.

Medford and Grants Pass offices closed due to weather

February 3, 2025

ODF Southwest Oregon District Now Hiring for Fire Season 2025

January 27, 2025

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Jan. 27, 2025) – The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District is recruiting for multiple positions for the upcoming fire season, including entry-level and experienced firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists, totaling approximately 130 jobs in Jackson and Josephine counties. These seasonal positions generally span from June through October, however, duration may vary depending on conditions. Both Medford and Grants Pass offices are actively hiring; benefits include medical, dental and vision health coverage and paid holidays, as well as personal business, vacation and sick leave.

The deadline to apply for all positions is February 28, 2025, however, the first pull of applicants for review will begin February 6; applying early is highly encouraged. All jobs are listed here.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry, 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 is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our X account, @swofire.

Fire season ends on ODF Southwest Oregon District with onset of consistent fall weather

October 26, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 26, 2024) – After 148 days, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is officially declaring an end to the 2024 fire season in Jackson and Josephine Counties, taking effect Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Consistent rain across the district and incoming rain storms throughout the next week, along with new, green grass and vegetation growing in has allowed for all fire season regulations and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) to be lifted this weekend. This declaration affects 1.8 million acres protected by ODF across Jackson and Josephine counties. At this time, industrial slash burning still remains prohibited.

From June 1 to October 27, ODF firefighters responded to 243 fires across Jackson and Josephine counties, totaling 5,470 acres affected. The majority of those acres were on the Salt Creek Fire, the largest fire on the district in 2024; it reached 4,102 acres total. Due to near-record breaking heat waves with triple digit temperatures, thunderstorms with little to no rain, and steadily increasing fire danger in early July, the district ordered ODF Incident Management Team 1 to assume command of the Salt Creek Fire. This was the only IMT deployment on the district this fire season, with all other incidents being managed from start to finish by local staff.

The strategic decision of bringing in an incident management team allowed district personnel the ability to respond to 26 reports of fire that occurred during the two-week period the team was engaged on Salt Creek, significantly cutting down on the probability of another large fire on the district. Ten of those 26 fires were ignited by lightning, located on steep, remote terrain near the lower Rogue River in Josephine County, where most recently, the Rum Creek Fire of 2022 was located. Despite limited access, firefighters were able to keep all of these fires at an acre or less in size, extinguishing them all within the following 48 hours.

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

ODF has an annual goal of putting out 98% of fires at 10 acres or less; with seven out of 243 fires hitting that mark, the district nearly reached its goal, coming in at 97%. Fire season 2024 was challenging across the state of Oregon, resulting in millions of acres burned. The success on the district here locally is largely due to a fast and aggressive response to fires and collaboration with our local and federal partners.

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 in:

• 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 unattended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. While the heightened risk of fires has passed with the ending of the declared fire season, fires can still start and spread in fall and winter conditions. ODF firefighters will continue to be available to respond to fires throughout the year; partner with ODF and area fire agencies in fire prevention by following the debris burning guidelines put in place by your local fire department.

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.

Widespread rain allows for decreases in public and industrial fire danger in Jackson and Josephine counties

October 16, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Recent fall-like weather and widespread rain has made it possible 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, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., the public fire danger level will decrease to “low” (green), and the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) will decrease to I (one) on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

In low fire danger, public 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 ODF-protected land.
• Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
• Campfires are allowed on private property with the landowners permission and in designated campgrounds.
• 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.

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 X account, @swofire.

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

September 11, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Sept. 11, 2024) – Following rain and cooler temperatures across southern Oregon, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will decrease to “high” (yellow) on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).

The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Thursday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, 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 now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Green lawns may be mown at any time.

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 ODF-protected land. Fireworks are prohibited on all BLM land
• 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 or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation at all times
• 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 includes gas, electric and battery-operated equipment. 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

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

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

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

Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme in Jackson and Josephine Counties

September 4, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (September 4, 2024) – Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, and numerous active fires in the region, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will once again increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. 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).

Fire danger decreased to high in Jackson and Josephine counties following significant rainfall in late August. Due to increased temperatures, dry vegetation, and the potential for east winds and thunderstorms, fire danger is once again increasing to extreme on the ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Beginning Friday 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, including all equipment that uses gas, electric or battery power.
• 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:

• Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.
• 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 vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
• 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.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Fire Danger Level Decreasing to High, IFPL 2 on ODF-Protected Lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties  

August 19, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Aug. 19, 2024) – As of Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 12:01 a.m., the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will decrease to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to Level 2 (two). This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The primary difference between the former regulations and the new decrease to high fire danger affects the public use of power-driven equipment, 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 now be allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Power-driven equipment use on green lawns is always allowed.

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

• No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
• Fireworks are prohibited on or within 1/8^th of a mile of ODF-protected land and are prohibited on BLM lands.
• 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 or fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations that are clear of dry vegetation.
• 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.
• Chainsaws 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, chainsaws 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 includes gas, electric and battery-powered equipment. 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 Industrial Fire Precaution Level Two (IFPL II) – limited shutdown, which is specifically for industrial operations and is 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.

In addition, pursuant to ORS 477.665 and OAR 629-043-0030, the fire watch requirement is a minimum of two hours during breaks and at the end of the operation period.

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.

Salt Creek Fire 100% Contained, 17 Lightning-Caused Fires All Stopped at Under 10 Acres in a Week

July 22, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 22, 2024) – Firefighters are completing the last portions of mop-up operations on two of the 17 lightning-caused fires that were found on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within the last week, following numerous rounds of thunderstorms that moved through southern Oregon. Between July 15 and 22, five fires were reported on the ODF Medford Unit and 12 were reported on the Grants Pass Unit, all as a result of lightning. At this time, all are 100% contained but two, which are nearly mopped up.

Thunderstorms first materialized on the evening of Monday, July 15, with a total of 66 lightning strikes recorded across the district. From this storm, firefighters responded to 13 fires, along with numerous other reports of smoke or fire that were not found to be present. Of these 13 fires, the largest, the Waters Gulch Fire, was stopped at just two acres. The next storm system arrived late Saturday night on July 20, with 18 recorded lightning strikes across both Jackson and Josephine Counties. Four fires were reported, two in each unit. This storm arrived with little to no rain, which allowed for more natural fire growth. Despite this, the largest fire from this group, the Sugarpine Gulch Fire, was caught at just over seven acres. Today, it is 100% lined and 100% mopped up.

These results are largely due to the aggressive initial attack that took place on each fire, as well as partnerships with local agencies, ranging from local structural departments to our federal partners at the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; the preparation of all agencies and the readiness to respond to new fire starts is largely contributed to the success on the ground.

Resources and equipment were also strategically used from the Salt Creek Fire, which was caught and lined at just over 4,100 acres and nearly entirely mopped up within the week and a half that the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 was in command of it. As progress was quickly made on this incident, resources were available to respond to new fire starts and staff lightning-caused fires, even as the Salt Creek Fire transitioned to local control once more. Despite this pull on resources throughout its duration, the Salt Creek Fire is now 100% contained.

See the list of lightning-caused fires by date, name, location, size and current status: https://swofire.com/2024/07/22/salt-creek-fire-100-contained-17-lightning-caused-fires-all-stopped-at-under-10-acres-in-a-week/purple-and-white…able-a4-document/

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire
• Follow ODF and BLM on Facebook
• Follow ODF and BLM, RRSNFon Twitter

BLM-managed lands in the area of the Salt Creek Fire remain closd for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

All New Lightning-Caused Fires on ODF Southwest Oregon-Protected Land 100% Lined

July 21, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 21, 2024) – Firefighters worked all day on four new lightning-caused fires across the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, and as of 6 p.m., all fires are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up.

The current fire status on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties is as follows:

• The Sugarpine Gulch Fire, located northwest of Rogue River in Jackson County. This fire was the most challenging one, and the last to be 100% lined due to steep terrain and windy conditions. Currently 100% lined, 10% mopped up, and caught at just over seven acres. Numerous aircraft worked this incident all day, including one Type 3, two Type 2 and two Type 1 helicopters; some aircraft remain available and on standby but have not recently been needed. Engines, a bulldozer, crews, tree fallers and firefighters remain engaged on the ground and will continue to strengthen the line overnight and push forward on mop-up operations.
• The Eastside Road Fire, located along Upper Applegate Road and west of Buncom in Jackson County. This fire has been holding at an estimated two acres and is 100% lined and 20% mopped up. Operations are ongoing this afternoon and will continue overnight.
• The Canyon Creek Fire, located west of Highway 227 and northwest of Trail in Jackson County. This fire is now 100% lined and 30% mopped up. It was caught at just over six acres. Firefighters are engaging in mop-up operations that will continue overnight.
• The Old Baldy Fire, located in the hills between Wimer and Grants Pass in Josephine County. Firefighters caught this fire at an acre and a half, and have it 100% lined and 30% mopped up. Mop up operations are ongoing.
• The Sexton Fire, reported on the east side of Interstate 5, between Hugo and Sunny Valley in Josephine County, not found by firefighters after a thorough search.

A second recon flight was been conducted and no new fires have been found. Detection camera operators will continue to search lightning strike areas for any smoke or fires. Firefighters remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across the district.

The fire danger level in Jackson and Josephine Counties is extreme and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is 3. Help firefighters by following all current regulations to prevent human-caused fires. 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.

Firefighters Responding to New Lightning-Caused Fires Following Overnight Thunderstorms

July 21, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 21, 2024) – Thunderstorms that moved into southern Oregon late Saturday night have already caused five small fires across the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, and firefighters are currently engaged in an aggressive initial attack on nearly all of them.

• The Eastside Road Fire, located along Upper Applegate Road and west of Buncom in Jackson County. The fire is currently estimated to be 1.5 acres, and forward progression has been stopped. Early this morning, firefighters were able to build a line around 70% of the fire. A 20-person crew is en route, as well as aircraft. This work will continue this morning and then mop-up will begin.
• The Canyon Creek Fire, located west of Highway 227 and northwest of Trail in Jackson County. This fire is currently estimated to be two to three acres. Additional resources are arriving on scene and firefighters are engaging in an aggressive initial attack.
• The Sugarpine Gulch Fire, located northwest of Rogue River in Jackson County. This fire is currently estimated to be half an acre. Additional resources are currently en route and responding to this fire for an aggressive initial attack.
• The Old Baldy Fire, located in the hills between Wimer and Grants Pass in Josephine County. It’s estimated to be one acre and is burning on a ridgetop. Aircraft will likely be key on this fire, as it may be difficult to access.
• Sexton Fire, located on the east side of Interstate 5, between Hugo and Sunny Valley in Josephine County. Resources are currently en route, please be aware of firefighters working near the road throughout the morning on this incident

Lightning struck across both Jackson and Josephine overnight, and more fires will likely be found today. ODF has already launched a recon mission, which was used to locate a few of the above fires. Additional recons are planned for later this morning and into the afternoon to ensure any new fires are caught early.

The fire danger level in Jackson and Josephine Counties is extreme and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is 3. Help firefighters by following all current regulations to prevent human-caused fires. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public and industrial restrictions, visit our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Majority of Josephine County Lightning Fires Extinguished Overnight

July 18, 2024

RAND, Ore. (July 18, 2024) – Firefighters worked overnight on numerous small fires along the lower Rogue River in Josephine County, making good progress on most incidents and extinguishing others completely. Following thunderstorms earlier this week, 10 fires were reported on the steep terrain northwest of Rand and Galice. Resources from ODF, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest immediately responded. As a result, all fires have been caught or are being held at an acre or less and only three remain active with firefighters engaged. Today, resources include numerous crews, engines and six helicopters of various sizes.

As of this morning, the active fires are as follows:

• Horseshoe Bend Fire, the original fire is holding at an estimated quarter-acre and a second fire roughly the same size has been found nearby. Overnight, Rogue-Siskiyou Rappellers were dropped near the second fire and are now working on mop-up. Both fires are located north of Horseshoe Bend Campground, north of the Rogue River on steep ground with no road access for miles. The U.S. Forest Service Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest and ODF are encouraging people to avoid camping at all Horseshoe Bend campsites while fire operations use the river for helicopter-bucket dipping and working in the area.
• Big Windy Creek, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Now 100% lined. Located on steep, remote ground just north of the East Fork Big Windy Fire. Today, an engine is assigned to this fire to continue mopping up.
• Trout Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Now 100% lined, resources working on mopping up. Located north of Trout Creek and south of the Rogue River, southwest of the Zane Grey Cabin. This fire is a two-mile hike from the nearest road and firefighters had to cut a significant amount of dead trees to clear a path to the incident. One tree is remaining within the perimeter of the fire and firefighters will focus on this today, as it has a high potential of reigniting if not properly extinguished.

The following fires are extinguished:

• Crooks Creek Fire, caught at one acre. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up. Located in the hills above Crooks Creek Road, north of Dryden and east of Selma.
• Hewett Creek Fire, estimated to be just under a quarter-acre. 100% lined and mopped up overnight. Located south of BLM road 32-10-36.
• Howard Creek Fire, extinguished by aircraft at an estimated 1/100 of an acre. Located northwest of Rand and south of the Rogue River. Firefighters continue to monitor this area.
• East Fork Big Windy Fire, extinguished at 1/100 of an acre. Located east of East Fork Big Windy Creek and south of the Rogue River on steep, remote county with limited access.
• Missouri Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Now 100% lined and mopped up overnight. Located north of Bear Camp Road and south of the Zane Grey Cabin.
• Montgomery Creek Fire, caught and extinguished at 1/100 of an acre. Located southwest of Rainie Falls and south of the Rogue River. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up.
• Long Gulch Fire, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Located southwest of the Trout Creek Fire. This fire is 100% lined and 100% mopped up. Resources will continue until the fire is completely extinguished.

This will be the final update for these fires unless conditions significantly change. Chances for thunderstorms are once again predicted for this weekend. While these fires cannot be prevented, many can. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of human-caused fires in our communities. Additional information is available here:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire
• Follow the ODF, RRSNFand BLM on Facebook
• Follow the ODF, RRSNF and BLM on Twitter

Firefighters Respond to Numerous Fires Following Thunderstorms

July 17, 2024

RAND, Ore. (July 17, 2024) – Firefighters have been responding to several fires along the lower portion of the Rogue River following thunderstorms on Tuesday night. Resources are engaged on 10 small fires in Josephine County, with the majority located on Bureau of Land Management public lands on both sides of the river northwest of Rand and Galice. The fires range in size from 1/100 of an acre to one acre. These fires have likely remained small due to rain that came with the weather system, as well as an aggressive initial attack from firefighters. Aircraft has been key on these incidents, as all fires are in remote areas or in difficult terrain. Firefighters are hiking as far as two miles to reach fires on steep, dangerous ground.

The current list of fires are as follows:

• Crooks Creek Fire, caught at one acre. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up. Located in the hills above Crooks Creek Road, north of Dryden and east of Selma.
• Horseshoe Bend Fire, holding at an estimated quarter-acre. Located north of Horseshoe Bend Campground, north of the Rogue River. Firefighters are on scene and using helicopters due to remote location and no road access. The U.S. Forest Service Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest and ODF are encouraging people to avoid camping at all Horseshoe Bend campsites while fire operations use the river for helicopter-bucket dipping and working in the area.
• Howard Creek Fire, extinguished by aircraft at an estimated 1/100 of an acre. Located northwest of Rand and south of the Rogue River. Firefighters continue to monitor this area.
• East Fork Big Windy Fire, estimated to be 1/100 of an acre. Located east of East Fork Big Windy Creek and south of the Rogue River on steep, remote county with limited access. ODF firefighters are on scene with one 20-person crew hiking into the fire area.
• Big Windy Creek, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Located on steep, remote ground just north of the East Fork Big Windy Fire. Tree fallers and a 20-person crew are assigned to the incident and hiking in.
• Trout Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Located north of Trout Creek and south of the Rogue River, southwest of the Zane Grey Cabin. This fire is a two-mile hike from the nearest road. Two 10-person crews are assigned to the fire, along with a bulldozer. Firefighters are cutting a significant amount of dead trees to clear a path to the incident.
• Long Gulch Fire, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Located southwest of the Trout Creek Fire. This fire is 100% lined and 85% mopped up. Resources will continue until the fire is completely extinguished.
• Missouri Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Located north of Bear Camp Road and south of the Zane Grey Cabin. Firefighters are hiking down to the fire.
• Montgomery Creek Fire, caught and extinguished at 1/100 of an acre. Located southwest of Rainie Falls and south of the Rogue River. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up.
• Hewett Creek Fire, estimated to be just under a quarter-acre. Currently 10% lined and 100% plumbed with fire hose for water access. Located south of BLM road 32-10-36. A 20-person crew is on scene and actively working on lining the rest of the fire.

An additional two fires, the Anna Creek and Cowley Creek Fires, were initially reported but not found by firefighters and are likely duplicate reports. Firefighters and aircraft will continue to monitor the area for additional fires.

Chances for thunderstorms are once again predicted for this weekend. While these fires cannot be prevented, many can. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of human-caused fires in our communities. Additional information is available here:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire
• Follow the ODF, RRSNFand BLM on Facebook
• Follow the ODF, RRSNF and BLM on Twitter

Fire Prevention Regulations Increase for Industrial Operations This Week

July 17, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 17, 2024) –  Dry fuels and dangerous fire weather patterns forecast 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 Friday, July 19, 2024 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 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