Firefighters minimize new growth on Salt Creek Fire despite hot, windy conditions monday

July 8, 2024

Salt Creek Fire Facebook

Incident contact information:
saltcreekfire2024@gmail.com
(541) 622-3834

EAGLE POINT, Ore. (July 8, 2024) – Firefighters working the Salt Creek Fire, located approximately 10 miles east of Eagle Point, were able to largely hold it in its current footprint on Monday, despite another day of triple digit heat and windy conditions. A few spot fires were found on the eastern portion of the incident, and fire began to cross a line on the southern border, however resources caught each of these issues and were able to stop any further spread. Fire activity began to pick up at the change of shift at 6 p.m. and a column of smoke once again stood up, however firefighters will be engaged throughout the night to limit further growth. Tonight, the fire is still estimated to be around 1,500 acres; an overnight infrared (IR) flight has been ordered and will likely be able to give a more accurate size of the fire in the morning.

Despite challenges on the line today, progress was made and the fire is now an estimated 60% lined. Mop up efforts have also begun on the west side of the fire and are 5% complete. Tonight, there are 290 personnel assigned to the incident, including eight 20-person crews, 14 engines, nine bulldozers, seven water tender, and five task force leaders. Resources will focus on holding and securing existing line and building more where possible. Hazardous trees remain a threat to firefighter safety, as does dehydration when working in these extreme conditions.

As of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Incident Management Team 1 has taken command of the Salt Creek Fire. This transition is relieving local agencies to be able to respond to any new fire starts that are reported. The Type 1 IMT brings extensive staff, allowing it to continue to safely and aggressively stop the spread of this fire, provide information to the community and support the fire personnel of southern Oregon in the response of potential new fire starts.

IMT members were briefed of the fire’s status at 10:00 a.m. and immediately began shadowing the established resources; this transition spans from the firefighters on the ground to the finance, logistics, planning, incident information portions of the incident and more. A dedicated Facebook page for the fire has been established, as well as an Inciweb page. Beginning tomorrow, updates will be posted daily on these new platforms.

The Salt Creek Fire was first reported Sunday afternoon just after 4 p.m. Both ODF Southwest Oregon District and Lake Creek Fire District initially responded, as well as resources from Jackson County Fire District 3, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, the Rogue River-Siskiyou Interagency Hotshot crews, contract resources from across southern Oregon and numerous large landowners in the area. This effort created a strong and robust initial attack group that worked into the night and early morning hours, and allowed resources to line 40% of the fire within the first 16 hours of the incident.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management issued an Evacuation Level 1: BE READY for Zones JAC-316, JAC-317, JAC-319, and JAC-321. These zones are north of Highway 140 approximately 12 miles east of Eagle Point in the Lake Creek area- East of Salt Creek Rd, North of Hwy-140, South and West of Fish Lake Rd, including the Willow Lake area. There are no structures threatened at this time. To find your evacuation zone, visit Genasys Protect: https://protect.genasys.com/

Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road remained closed to the public at Highway 140, and Double Day Road is closed off of Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open at this time.

Temperatures of 105 degrees and wind contributed to the initial growth of the Salt Creek Fire, along with the dry vegetation in the area and steep slopes. The National Weather Service is now predicting temperatures in the triple digits through next weekend, which will naturally increase fire behavior. Any new fire starts will thrive in these conditions as well. Please be aware of the increased risk of fires starting and spreading, and help reduce the risk by following all current fire regulations.

Starting tomorrow, the fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District and BLM lands will increase to extreme, and regulations will be in place. Stage 2 campfire restrictions will also be implemented for the Wild portion of the Lower Rogue River starting tomorrow. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of 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 BLM, RRSNFand ODF on Facebook
• Follow the BLM, RRSNFand ODF on Twitter

Fire Danger Level Increases to Extreme in Jackson and Josephine Counties

July 8, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 8, 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 increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 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).

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.
• 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 Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.

Firefighters Make Good Progress on Salt Creek Fire Overnight

July 8, 2024

EAGLE POINT, Ore. (July 8, 2024) – Firefighters assigned to the Salt Creek Fire, located approximately 10 miles east of Eagle Point, made significant progress last night, lining 40% of the fire. The fire is burning on steep ground along Salt Creek Road, and is currently estimated to be 1,500 acres. It’s currently affecting both private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, a Type 1 IMT, has been ordered and will be in-briefed at 10 a.m. They will shadow the current resources today and take command of the incident at 6 p.m. tonight. This will bring in additional resources and allow the local districts to be ready for any additional starts that may occur.

Fire activity naturally decreased last night when the sun went down and temperatures dropped. With this advantage, resources overnight were able to put in a mix of bulldozer and hand line constructed with tools along the entire northern portion, as well as the southwest border of the fire. The eastern and southeastern portion remain largely unlined and will be the focus of Monday’s day shift. Today, 321 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 12 20-person crews, nine engines, 10 water tenders, seven bulldozers, and six tree fallers. Snags, or hazard trees, are present throughout the fire and may fall unexpectedly. This, along with steep terrain and hot conditions are hazards for firefighters on the line today. Aircraft will be heavily used again today as soon as possible, including one Type 3, two Type 2 and three Type 1 helicopters that are exclusively assigned to this incident. Air tankers will be ordered again as needed.

The Salt Creek Fire was first reported Sunday afternoon just after 4 p.m. Both ODF Southwest Oregon District and Lake Creek Fire District initially responded. When firefighters arrived on scene, it was estimated to be 2-5 acres and growing quickly in the hot, dry and windy conditions. Numerous resources were ordered, including engines, bulldozers, water tenders and multiple types of aircraft. The fire grew to an estimated 10 acres within the half hour, and 200 acres an hour and a half into initial attack. Six helicopters, two Large Air Tankers (LATs) and a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) were ordered, and numerous retardant drops helped to box in the fire by creating temporary retardant lines around the majority of the incident. This allowed firefighters the upper hand on solidifying containment lines overnight.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management has issued an Evacuation Level 1: BE READY for Zones JAC-316, JAC-317, JAC-319, and JAC-321. These zones are north of Highway 140 approximately 12 miles east of Eagle Point in the Lake Creek area- East of Salt Creek Rd, North of Hwy-140, South and West of Fish Lake Rd, including the Willow Lake area. There are no structures threatened at this time. Deputies are on scene to provide door-to-door notifications to houses in the areas. To find your evacuation zone, learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road are closed at Highway 140, and Double Day Road is closed off of Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open at this time.

Temperatures of 105 degrees and wind contributed to the growth, along with the dry vegetation in the area and steep slopes. These conditions are continuing through Wednesday across the Rogue Valley. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which extends into Tuesday night. Fire naturally thrives in these conditions, and any new starts will have the same potential to grow. Please be aware of all current fire regulations to help reduce the risk of new fires starting in southern Oregon. Today, the fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is high (yellow) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Information is available here:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: www.blm.gov/orwafire

The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation.

Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire 50% Mopped Up

July 5, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. (July 5, 2024) – Firefighters working on the Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire, located in the hills northeast of Ashland, made excellent progress on Friday, solidifying lines and mopping up 50% of the fire. During these operations, resources were able to extinguish hotspots, which are vegetation or coals that could later reignite, up to 250-feet into the perimeter around the entire incident. The fire remains 100% lined and 43 acres in size.

Tonight, 78 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three 20-person crews, three engines, two water tenders and various overhead. These resources will continue to work on mopping up the interior of the fire. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. due to triple-digit temperatures, wind and low relative humidity, however these conditions have not affected the fire as much as expected, and little to no smoke is being detected. Firefighters will continue to monitor the conditions into the evening and be prepared for any changes on the line.

One lane of Dead Indian Memorial Road has been open today with a lead pilot car, however it is expected to be fully reopened this evening. Please be aware of firefighters working near the road when traveling in this area. Due to the location of the fire, no homes were threatened, and no evacuations were issued. Evacuations are determined by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management. Find your evacuation zone and additional information here: https://protect.genasys.com/

Tomorrow, three 20-person crews are already ordered, and they will continue mop up efforts. Due to the current status of this incident, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. The cause remains under investigation.

Hot temperatures well into the triple-digits are expected through the weekend, which naturally increases fire behavior. Please be aware that a spark can easily start a fire in these conditions. The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is currently high (yellow) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Information is also available on our Facebook page.

Firefighters Catch Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire Overnight

July 5, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. (July 5, 2024) – Firefighters were able to stop the progress of a new fire that started late Thursday night, completely lining the entire perimeter and stopping its growth despite steep slopes, overnight wind and extremely low relative humidities. The Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire, located northeast of Ashland, is now 100% lined and has been GPS mapped at 43 acres. The cause is currently under investigation.

The fire was originally reported at 10:15 p.m. along the 5400-block of Dead Indian Memorial Road, but when firefighters arrived and began working, it was determined to be closer to the 4500-block. Numerous engines from the ODF Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire and Rescue responded initially. More resources were quickly ordered, including three 20-person crews, three engines, a bulldozer and a 10-person crew. A wildland task force made up of resources from Josephine County was dispatched as well. Additional resources were also ordered for Friday morning.

Today, six 20-person crews, two bulldozers, six engines, four water tenders, two tree fallers and overhead personnel are assigned to the fire. Firefighters will work to strengthen and further secure lines, as well as begin mopping up and extinguishing hotspots that may reignite later. Conditions today will be working against firefighters, including predicted temperatures of 104 degrees, relative humidity in the single digits and possible wind. These factors naturally increase fire behavior, and resources will be monitoring for any changes as the day continues.

Dead Indian Memorial Road is currently closed near the fire due to a large amount of firefighting personnel and equipment in the area. Resources are working to open one lane of the road with a lead pilot car when possible later this morning, and are anticipating the road to be fully opened by the end of shift if favorable progress continues.

Due to the location of the fire, no homes were threatened, and no evacuations were issued. Evacuations are determined by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management. Find your evacuation zone and additional information here: https://protect.genasys.com/

Today, the fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is high (yellow) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Information is available  on our Facebook page.

Upper Applegate Fire 35% Mopped Up, Team Transition Occurring

July 1, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (July 1, 2024) – Mop up on the Upper Applegate Fire is continuing to increase, as firefighters overnight reached 300-feet into the interior in some areas, upping the percentage complete to 35%. The fire remains 100% lined with direct line, and accurate GPS mapping has placed the fire at 1,143 acres as a final size. Today, 300 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 11 20-person crews, six engines, three water tenders, and five tree fallers. Aircraft assigned remains the same as Sunday’s fleet with two Type 2 helicopters for water bucket drops and a Type 3 helicopter operating as an air attack platform.

A scaled down Type 4 incident management team led by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be taking command of the fire tomorrow morning. Today, the team is shadowing the current organization for a full shift to ensure a smooth transition. Key personnel, including the incident commander, have been working with current management for the past couple days. Firefighters on this team will continue to mop up and conduct suppression repairs. However, even when this work is completed, smoke may be seen within the fire perimeter for several weeks to months. This is normal and to be expected; Applegate Valley Fire District and ODF are always ready to respond if necessary, however lines built during the past week and a half, as well as mop up efforts, are designed to prevent any further spread.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road; this will stay in effect as firefighters continue to work in the area. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Little Applegate Road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are continuing to work in these areas as well. Please be aware and follow any reduced speed road signs in the area.

Due to the status of the fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management canceled all evacuation notices late Sunday morning. Learn your zone and be better prepared for an emergency here: https://protect.genasys.com/.

Due to the current status, this will be the final update on this incident unless conditions significantly change. Numerous agencies and organizations across the Rogue Valley participated in the group effort of this fire’s suppression; most notably, ODF, BLM and USFS would like to thank the Applegate Valley Fire District for their collaboration and hospitality on this incident, as well as the community of Ruch for their support.

Today, the fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District increased to high (yellow) and new regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. 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 BLM, RRSNFand ODF on Facebook
• Follow the BLM, RRSNFand ODF on Twitter

Upper Applegate Fire’s Lines Withstand Windy Conditions, Mop Up Continues

June 30, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (June 30, 2024) – The Upper Applegate Fire, located south of Ruch, is continuing to be held strong by firefighters working the incident. All lines remained intact during yesterday’s windy conditions, which is a testament to the work that has been put in on this fire. Overnight, firefighters continued to mop up, bringing the total percentage to 25%. This is considered good, steady progress, especially with the amount of hazards present, including steep terrain, dead conifer trees and falling rocks that create a dangerous environment to work in. This work will continue during Sunday’s day shift, as well as identifying where suppression repair is needed and what hazards exist near those areas.

Today, 380 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 13 crews, five engines, three bulldozers and eight water tenders. Two Type 2 helicopters remain assigned to the incident, as well as one Type 3 helicopter to provide air attack support. Additional aircraft will be ordered as needed, but it is not expected to be necessary. Weather conditions today will create less challenges for firefighters; predictions call for mid-eighties and winds ranging from one to six miles per hour with gusts up to 12, less than half of what was expected yesterday.

Due to the progress on this fire, a smaller Type 4 incident management team lead by the BLM will be taking command on Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, the team will shadow the current organization for a full day to ensure a smooth transition, however key personnel, including the incident commander are already plugged in and working with current management.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Little Applegate road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Please be aware and follow all reduced speed road signs in the area. Additionally, fire-related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, put in place by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is currently moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

Upper Applegate Fire 100% Lined at Fire’s Edge, Focus Now on Mop Up

June 29, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (June 29, 2024) – Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire made tremendous progress overnight completing strategic firing operations on the north portion of the fire. This strategy connected the fire’s edge with the hand line dug by firefighters, creating a solid barrier between the interior of the fire and homes further downhill. With this work finished, the fire is now 100% directly lined, meaning there are no unburned interior pockets along the perimeter that could easily allow the fire to burn over a line. It also gives firefighters a better defense, should those lines be tested by weather, which is expected today.

Weather forecasts are predicting the temperature at 85 degrees with winds ranging from 3-13 miles per hour (mph) and gusts up to 25 mph. As firefighters begin mopping up the north side of the fire today, they will be aware of this potential and ready to defend the lines. Wind may also increase smoke on the fire, which is expected. With this work overnight, the fire is now slightly expanded to 966 acres, however mop up has increased to 20%.

On the south side of the fire, mop-up operations have been progressing over the last couple of shifts; in some areas, firefighters have reached 120-feet into the interior of the fire, extinguishing hotspots as they go. This work is tedious but necessary, as it will prevent vegetation and coals with any lingering heat from igniting again in hot, windy conditions near the lines established.

Hazard trees remain a constant threat to firefighters on this incident. There are large patches of dead and dying conifer trees that have been impacting fire behavior and falling as firefighters work around them. These dead Douglas Fir trees are the result of numerous factors, including prolonged drought and hotter than average temperatures, as well as decades of fire suppression. Firefighters are aware of the falling potential and are mitigating these risks as much as possible. Rocks have also been falling down the steep slopes this fire has been burning on, and safety remains a top priority.

Today, more than 360 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 13 20-person crews, four engines, three bulldozers and eight water tenders. Two Type 2 and Two Type 1 helicopters remain dedicated to this incident to drop water when needed, and two Type 3 helicopters are providing full day coverage as an air attack platform to coordinate aerial work. Today, one Type 1 helicopter will be demobilized from the fire, as managers are comfortable with downsizing this fleet. As progress continues, additional resources that aren’t necessary will also be released, as overhead work to balance needs on the fire line and financial impact and responsibility. Personnel will also be hiking throughout the fire today to determine what repair work needs to be done following suppression activities.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Little Applegate road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Please be aware and follow all reduced speed road signs in the area. Additionally, fire-related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, put in place by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is currently moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.

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

June 28, 2024

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 28, 2024) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Monday, July 1, 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 primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Monday 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 be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. 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 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 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 industrial operations, 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

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 and our website, www.swofire.com.

Direct Line Increases on Upper Applegate Fire Following Night Operations

June 28, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (June 28, 2024) – Overnight, firefighters working the Upper Applegate Fire, located south of Ruch, were able to increase the direct line around the fire to 70%, leaving only 30% indirectly lined. Strategic firing operations were used in the cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity; this is helping to close the gap between the fire’s edge and the indirect line on a portion of the north end of the fire. This work has been conducted in small, manageable sections and is helping to strengthen line built, providing a much more secure buffer between the fire and homes in the area.

This morning, the fire remains 937 acres and 15% mopped up, however resources today will continue that work. The night shift was also able to walk the southern part of the fire with IR cameras where the majority of mop-up operations has been taking place, and identify hot spots that aren’t easily detected otherwise. Firefighters working day shift will be able to use these maps and images to be more thorough in their efforts today.

More than 370 personnel will be working on the fire today, including 13 20-person crews, five engines, four bulldozers, eight water tenders, 10 tree fallers and 10 medical personnel. Aircraft assigned to the fire includes two Type 1 and two Type 2 helicopters for water bucket drops, as well as a Type 3 that is being used as air attack to provide coordination from the sky. Additional aircraft will be ordered as necessary, however this fleet has been sufficient in that last couple days.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Little Applegate road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Please be aware and follow all reduced speed road signs in the area. Additionally, fire-related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, put in place by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest

Steady Progress Continues on Upper Applegate Fire

June 27, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (June 27, 2024) – Firefighters working the Upper Applegate Fire, located south of Ruch, continue to push forward and make steady progress on the incident, increasing mop-up to 15% and solidifying more direct line today, upping that number to 65%. The fire remains 100% lined when factoring both direct and indirect line, however firefighters are pushing to create as much direct line as possible. Today, the fire was GPS mapped at 937 acres, a slight increase from this morning. That change is a result of the fire naturally progressing within those established containment lines.

Today, resources assigned to the fire were able to meet their goal of mopping up 75 feet into the interior of the fire along the southern border. This work helps to solidify the lines created and prevent the fire from reigniting in hot and windy conditions in these areas by extinguishing any lingering fire or heat from remaining vegetation and coals. Tonight, an infrared (IR) flight will be conducted, which will give firefighters the ability to see which portions of the fire are continuing to hold heat and allow them to be strategic in mop-up operations this evening and tomorrow morning.

Tonight, more than 200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including seven 20-person crews, two engines, two bulldozers, and four water tenders. Aircraft will continue to fly until nightfall as needed. Strategic firing operations are planned for this evening to bolster line on the northeastern portion of the fire, which has been dangerous and challenging ground since the start of this fire. Steep terrain and falling trees have made some of these areas extremely unsafe to work in, and for that reason, indirect line was built and is now being reinforced. This will create a strong barrier between the fire and homes at the bottom of the hill.

Due to the tremendous progress on this incident, this will be the final evening update unless conditions significantly change. Beginning Friday, updates will be posted in the morning only and during the day when necessary.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, put in place by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Additionally, fire related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.

This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest

Line Strengthening, Mop-Up Operations Continue on Upper Applegate Fire

June 27, 2024

RUCH, Ore. (June 27, 2024) – Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate fire continue to make methodical progress on the incident, bolstering lines overnight and mopping up the southern portion of the fire. It remains 896 acres this morning and 55% lined. Resources have been able to mop up hotspots, vegetation that is still holding heat, 35-feet into the fire’s perimeter on the south side, bringing mop up efforts to 10% complete. Today, firefighters will push to reach 75-feet along that line.

On the northeastern side of the fire,  hazard trees, or snags, remain a difficult and dangerous challenge to work around. Between the potential of trees falling and the steep ground, firefighters continue to work as safely as possible. On Tuesday, a firefighter broke a leg while working on a steep slope. The firefighter was carried out by their crew before being met by Rogue Rescue and transported to a local hospital. The hazards on this incident increase the chance of injuries, and safety is a top priority as work continues.

Today, more than 400 personnel are assigned to the incident, including 14 20-person crews, eight engines, four bulldozers, eight water tenders, two chippers, 10 medical personnel and numerous overhead. Aircraft assigned exclusively to the fire includes two Type 1, two Type 2 helicopters, as well as an air attack plane for coordination. Airtankers and additional aircraft will be ordered as needed.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, put in place by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Additionally, fire related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.

This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest