August 5, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 5, 2021) – A significant shift in the weather pattern on Thursday could challenge fire lines and crews; this potential is the biggest focus today on active incidents on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District. The National Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning with strong, shifting winds throughout the day. Not only could these conditions affect the progress crews have been making, but it increases the risk of new fires starting.
Smoke in the area from various fires surrounding southern Oregon is also affecting visibility and may impact the use of aircraft; firefighters on the ground are taking this into account, and adjusting their strategies based on the potential of losing this resource for the better part of Thursday. The smoke is also impacting the ODF Southwest Detection Center, and detection center camera views are limited from the haze. Smoke information is available on https://fire.airnow.gov/ and https://airquality.weather.gov/sectors/pacnorthwest.php.
Crews on the two remaining fires on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine Counties are continuing to make progress on strengthening perimeters and general mop-up; The Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove, is still holding at 23 acres. Firefighters have been able to mop up 50 feet into the interior of the fire, and will continue that work today. Four 10-person crews, two engines and three water tenders are assigned to the Round Top Fire today. The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail, remains at 17 acres. A 10-person crew, 20-person crew, five engines and three water tenders are assigned to this fire today to continue mop-up operations. On both of these incidents, steep terrain and hazardous trees have challenged crews and caused safety concerns. Firefighters assigned to these fires will be taking these factors into account as they continue to push forward on suppression efforts.
ODF Southwest is continuing to provide resources to fires burning in southern Douglas County on Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) protected land and the Umpqua National Forest. Information on these specific fires can be found on https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex/, https://www.facebook.com/2021-Devils-Knob-Complex-112079071131008, https://www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation and https://www.facebook.com/UmpquaNationalForest.
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 4, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 4, 2021) – Firefighters working the Buck Rock and Round Top Fires on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District are continuing to make good progress on strengthening fire lines. The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail, remains 17 acres, and the Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove, is still 23 acres.
Mop-up efforts continued Wednesday on both fires, as crews work from the perimeter moving inward, extinguishing smokes and smoldering areas. Overnight, this will continue to be the focus of firefighters assigned to these incidents. Hazardous trees on both fires have been a safety concern, which has slowed down crews. Steep terrain is also an added challenge on these fires.
ODF Southwest, along with the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is continuing to provide resources to fires burning in southern Douglas County on Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) protected land and the Umpqua National Forest. ODF will continue to assist on these active incidents. Information on these specific fires can be found on https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex/, https://www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation and https://www.facebook.com/UmpquaNationalForest.
Weather conditions Thursday could increase fire activity, including strong winds and a slight potential for thunderstorms. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service from 12 – 10 p.m. on Thursday due to these factors. Firefighters will take this into account on the line, as it may impact fire behavior.
Smoke from multiple fires in Douglas County are causing smoke to settle across Jackson and Josephine counties; smoke information is available on https://fire.airnow.gov/ and https://airquality.weather.gov/sectors/pacnorthwest.php.
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 4, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 4, 2021) – Firefighters on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District continued to make good progress overnight on a number of fires burning on the district. Out of 66 fires ignited by lightning since Thursday that ODF Southwest, there are currently only 2 active fires in Jackson and Josephine counties – the Round Top and Buck Rock Fires:
- The Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove. It remains 23 acres, 100% lined and 100% plumbed, meaning they have hose secured around the fire and will have water easily accessible. While containment didn’t increase overnight, lines are holding strong, and mop-up work will likely begin today, depending on conditions.
- The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail. It remains 17 acres and 100% lined. Containment jumped from 10% to 80% overnight. Those mop-up efforts will continue on Wednesday.
There are number burning in neighboring districts, including the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and U.S. Forest Service Umpqua National Forest that ODF is assisting on. DPFA and USFS Umpqua National Forest are working on several fires in the Railroad Gap area; ODF Southwest and the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest have both sent resources to our neighbors up north; ODF will continue to assist on these active incidents however we can. Information on these specific fires can be found on https://www.facebook.com/skylineridgecomplex/, https://www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation and https://www.facebook.com/UmpquaNationalForest.
ODF will continue to do reconnaissance flights to check on fires that have been extinguished and search for potential new fires that could ignite in windy conditions today. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the eastern portion of Jackson County on Wednesday, from 2 – 10 p.m.; fires can start and spread easily in these conditions.
Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California remains in the air over Jackson and Josephine Counties. Information on general smoke reports can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 3, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 3, 2021) – An overnight flight of Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft fixed-wing plane detected two new fires on the Southwest Oregon District, and confirmed a third that resources had already been dispatched to. Using a combination of infrared technology and night vision goggles, the plane can pick up heat sources and even give fire behavior reports.
From this flight, the Skyline Fire was confirmed in northwestern part of Jackson County; it’s estimated to be a quarter acre. In the same area, the Horse Mountain Fire was discovered. It’s estimated to be a quarter acre as well, and resources were dispatched to it first this Tuesday morning. The third fire, the Jack Creek Fire, is located on U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forestland; ODF Southwest has sent an engine to assist on this incident. None of these fires are threatening homes.
The three largest fires on the district remain:
- The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail.
- The Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove.
- The North Fork Anderson Creek Fire, located on Anderson Butte near Talent.
Firefighters on all three of these fires continued to hold lines overnight, and in some cases, slightly increase containment. All three are burning on steep slopes in high elevations, creating challenges for crews to dig line. There are currently no homes threatened across the district. An update on acreage and containment will be available in our evening update.
Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California remains in the air over Jackson and Josephine Counties. Information on general smoke reports can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 2, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 2, 2021) – Firefighters across the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District continued to hold fire lines and make progress fires across the district. To date, 59 fires have been caused by lightning since Sunday night; of those, 11 fires are still active. The rest are extinguished and in patrol status.
The majority of these fires are located in high elevations on steep terrain, creating additional challenges and safety concerns for firefighters. These factors, along with multiple incidents across the district are slowing down typical containment times, however firefighters are continuing to make slow, steady progress on each incident; this is the best case scenario for as many incidents are active at the same time, with limited resources available.
The following fires are the largest and most active across the district:
- The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail. It’s currently estimated to be 7 acres, 60% lined and 5% contained. Fire activity increased in the heat on Monday, and a spot fire was discovered up the hill of the main body of the fire. Through multiple helicopter water bucket drops, the spot fire was put out. Overnight, a 20-person hand crew, four engines and a water tender will remain on scene; these resources have a goal of lining the fire 100% by the morning shift change.
- The Round Top Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Shady Cove. This fire is putting off a large amount of smoke, however it’s only estimated to be between 15-17 acres, and 75% lined. Fire activity increased during the day; Large Air Tanker (LAT) 103 and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT’s) were able to do several retardant drops to help secure temporary lines in order to allow firefighters to reinforce them. Overnight, four engines and a water tender will remain on scene. Additional resources will replace them in the morning.
- The North Fork Anderson Creek Fire, located on Anderson Butte near Talent. It’s estimated to be 2 acres. It’s currently 100% lined and 30% contained. Steep terrain is slowing firefighters down on this incident, however lines are holding. Overnight, two engines will continue mop-up work, with additional resources replacing them in the morning.
Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California was heavily present in Jackson and Josephine Counties today. Dispatch centers across the area received multiple calls regarding the hazy air; general smoke information can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
While firefighters are making excellent progress on multiple incidents, additional fires from this storm may continue to be found in the coming days and weeks. Please report fires by calling 911.
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
August 2, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 2, 2021) – An estimated 50 fires have been reported following thunderstorms that passed though the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists worked through the night to locate and extinguish fires. Approximately 50 fires were reported from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning; of those, 35 fires were confirmed as active. Of those 35, 20 have been put out, and 15 are in various stages of response; the majority are 100% lined and are currently in mop-up operations.
Private contract resources have been brought on to bolster firefighters, tree fallers and water tenders on active fires. This will also free up our district resources to respond to new fire starts as they are discovered throughout the day.
On the Medford unit, the two largest fires are both estimated to be 3.5 acres each. The North Fork Anderson Creek Fire, located on Anderson Butte outside of Talent is 100% lined and 5% contained. The Buck Rock Fire, located 5 miles north of Trail, is 30% lined and 5% contained. On the Grants Pass unit, the largest fire our resources responded to is the Bear Camp Road Fire; it’s estimated to be 4-5 acres. This fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest land, however, ODF responded as mutual aid due to close proximity to our protected area. The second largest incident in Josephine County is the Placer Road Fire located southwest of King Mountain at 1.5 acres. It is 100%
lined and mopped up at this time. In the same area, the Oxyoke Fire near Hugo was extinguished as well; it was caught by ODF and Rural Metro Fire resources overnight at just over half an acre. This is the only fire that was burning near homes.
At this time, there are currently no homes threatened, despite the large amount of fires burning on the landscape. A reconnaissance flight was sent out at 8:30 a.m. to fly over current incidents and look for new reports of smoke; new fires will likely emerge throughout the day as temperatures heat up. Residents in areas where lightning struck should report any smoke by calling 911.
Fire season updates are available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
July 31, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 31, 2021) – Following two consecutive days of thunderstorms in the Rogue Valley, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District (SWO) has responded to 14 fires across the district that are believed to be lightning-caused. The majority of these fires are already extinguished; only two remain active, however, both are in the latter stages of mop-up.
Thunderstorm cells from both Thursday and Friday took a very similar path up from northern California into the Applegate Valley. Almost immediately after the storms crossed into Oregon, the ODF Southwest Detection Center began discovering smoke in these areas. These fires became the Applegate Complex, consisting of 9 separate incidents. The largest of these fires is the Squires Peak Fire located near Woodrat Mountain southeast of Ruch at 3 and a half acres. At the time of this release, it is 100% lined and 70% contained. The other 8 fires were between 1/10th and 1/100th of an acre and are completely extinguished.
Further northwest, the Apple Foots Complex ranges from southwest Grants Pass to the Selma area; it consists of 5 fires. All are extinguished aside from the Marble Mountain Fire, located 10 miles southwest of Grants Pass. It’s 1/10th of an acre in size, 100% lined and nearly contained.
All of these fires, while small, are in extremely rough terrain in high elevations. Firefighters will remain on scene of the Squires Peak and Marble Mountain Fires until they are 100% contained, which is estimated to be reached by the end of Saturday. Several reconnaissance missions have been conducted by district aircraft; no new fires have been located from these flyovers, or by our Detection Center Specialists.
Additional thunderstorms are expected in our region; our firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists will continue to be vigilant in locating, dispatching and responding to fires. ODF believes in an aggressive initial attack strategy with the goal of keeping fires as small as possible and putting them out as quickly as possible. This strategy has yielded excellent results over the past two days, and throughout this fire season on the Southwest Oregon District.
As a reminder to the communities we serve, Extreme Fire Danger is still in effect, despite the rain our area received in these storms. The 14 fires that have been found are proof that fuels are still prime to burn. Please continue to follow public use regulations in an effort to decrease the likelihood of human-caused fires; this greatly helps local fire crews to focus on the multiple incidents at hand, and additional lightning-caused holdover fires that will pop up in the coming weeks from these storms.
Additional information about fire season and current regulations is available on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
July 26, 2021
SELMA, Ore. (July 26, 2021) – The cause of the Redwood Highway Fire located on Highway 199 MP 23 has been determined to be a catalytic converter from a vehicle traveling northeast toward Grants Pass. In all, six starts were found between milepost 17 and 23, including two smaller fires at mileposts 17 and 19 respectively, and four starts near milepost 23, which grew into the main body of the fire. Additional spot fires flared from there; in all, six acres were burned. At the points of origin, it was noticed by investigators that dry fuels were particularly close to the road, likely playing a role in the ignition. It is unlikely that the vehicle will be identified, however, if anyone driving in the area at the time of ignition has information, please contact the Grants Pass ODF office at (541) 474-3152.
The Redwood Highway Fire was first reported Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 6:30 p.m. as multiple small fires along the road. Multiple agencies assisted in suppression efforts, including ODF Southwest Oregon District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District #9, Rogue River Fire District #1 and the U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Fire information is available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
July 26, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 26, 2021) – Increased fire danger on 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. Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL 3) takes effect Wednesday, July 28, 2021 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
July 25, 2021
SELMA, Ore. (July 25, 2021) – Following an aggressive initial attack, continuous overnight work and day shift mop-up, the Redwood Highway Fire located along Highway 199 MP 23 south of Selma is now 100% contained. Firefighters were able to complete hazard tree removal and mop-up operations by 2 p.m. on Sunday, and finished a final grid of the fire by 5 p.m. The Redwood Highway Fire burned a total of 6 acres, including numerous spot fires. ODF firefighters will periodically check the area for smoke to ensure against any flare-ups for the next several days.
The Redwood Highway Fire was first reported Saturday, July 24, 2021, just before 6:30 p.m. Multiple agencies responded, including ODF Southwest Oregon District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District #9, and Rogue River Fire District #1. With abundant aircraft and ground resources, firefighters were able to quickly establish a strong perimeter. Due to this quick work, the entire incident has been seen through to completion in less than 24 hours. ODF would like to thank our partner agencies for their contributions and hard work on this incident.
Firefighting activity prompted the closure of Highway 199 on Saturday night, however, it has since been reopened. A level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice was put in place by Josephine County Emergency Management for Wild Park Lane and Terrell Way as a precaution; it has since been lifted.
The cause of this fire remains under investigation. This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. For fire information, visit our Facebook page, @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
July 25, 2021
SELMA, Ore. (July 25, 2021) – Firefighters working the Redwood Highway Fire overnight have made excellent progress despite limited resources overnight and hazard trees in the area; the fire is 100% lined and 45% contained. It’s located on Highway 199 milepost 23, approximately four miles south of Selma. Through GPS mapping, the fire and multiple spot fires have been confirmed to be 6 acres in size. Today, firefighters will continue falling hazardous trees and carry on with mop-up efforts. Safety is a focus, as many of these trees pose a risk to firefighters and traffic on Highway 199. Four Type 6 engines, a 20-person hand crew, two fallers and two overhead managers are assigned to the fire today; aircraft will be available as needed.
The Redwood Highway Fire was first reported just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday night as multiple fires along Highway 199. When firefighters began arriving on scene, they encountered two small fires at milepost 17 and 18 respectively; both fires were relatively small in size and were quickly extinguished. At milepost 23, another fire was quickly growing. Resources from ODF Southwest Oregon District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District #9, and Rogue River Fire District #1 all responded and began an aggressive initial attack. Rogue Valley Wildland Task Force 2 was also requested. Air resources including two large air tankers (LAT’s), two single engine air tankers (SEAT’s), a Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 (ODF Helitack) helicopters, and an air attack platform were ordered and supplied water bucket and retardant drops, helping to stop the forward spread of the fire. Between aircraft and crews on the ground, a perimeter was established within the first four hours of the incident.
Firefighting activity prompted the closure of Highway 199 on Saturday night, however, it has since been reopened. A level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice was put in place by Josephine County Emergency Management for Wild Park Lane and Terrell Way as a precaution; it has since been lifted.
For fire updates, visit our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
July 12, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 12, 2021) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties rises to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands within ODF’s Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two).
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Wednesday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws and mowers. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited.
Here are the details of the adjusted fire restrictions taking effect on July 14:
- The use of power saws is prohibited.
- 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 is prohibited.
- Burn barrel use 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, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
- 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.
- Fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestland are prohibited.
- 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.
- 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’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
July 3, 2021
ASHLAND, Ore. (July 3, 2021) – A vehicle fire and subsequent grassfire prompted a multi-agency response to the 11000-block of Dead Indian Memorial Road outside of Ashland on Saturday, July 3, 2021. The vehicle fire was quickly extinguished by Jackson County Fire District 5 (JCFD5). Through an aggressive initial attack from the air and on the ground, the grassfire portion of the incident is 100% lined and 50% mopped up at the time of this release. It was stopped at 1.5 acres.
The Dead Indian Memorial Road Fire was first reported at approximately 3:30 p.m. as a vehicle fire. When first responders arrived on scene, it had spread to the wildland and was being carried uphill by the wind. ODF Southwest Oregon District responded alongside our partners at JCFD5 with multiple engines, a bulldozer, a water tender, our type 2 helicopter, our helitack type 3 helicopter, and our air attack plane. Our partners at Ashland Fire Rescue, Greensprings Rural Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded as well, and Medford Fire-Rescue moved up to cover for JCFD5. Within the first hour of initial attack, the forward spread of the grass fire was stopped.
ODF investigators have confirmed the grassfire portion of the incident was caused by the vehicle fire; the vehicle fire will be investigated by JCFD5. Smoke may be seen in the area as crews continue to mop up into the evening. They will remain on scene until the fire is extinguished and it is safe to leave the area.
This incident is an example of how quickly a fire can take off; the extremely dry fuels paired with hot weather our region has been experiencing are prime conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly. ODF is asking the public to keep this in mind during holiday weekend celebrations. One less spark can mean one less wildfire.
July 1, 2021
JACKSON AND JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 1, 2021) – Properties in Jackson and Josephine Counties that have recently been classified as forestland will begin receiving fire suppression protection from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon district today. Along with this protection service, ODF regulated use fire prevention restrictions also go into effect; the current fire danger level is high (yellow) and the IFPL is two (2). All current regulations are available on the district’s website, www.swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District provides wildland fire protection services to forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties, funded by a Forest Patrol Assessment on protected lands. The Jackson and Josephine County Forestland Classification Committee was formed in 2017 to reassess private land in the counties through a process that was completed earlier this spring. Multiple letters were sent to the landowners of properties that were added in this process notifying them of the change.
Classification changes do not increase ODF’s fire budget, rather, the classification review helps ensure that protection costs are fairly distributed. Those costs are then matched by the state’s general fund. In most cases, a review typically results in some lands being removed from forest classification and others being added. In the Southwest Oregon District, many of the new additions were already receiving fire suppression services, but had not been paying for it.
During the assessment process, the committee examined all lands within Jackson and Josephine counties, classifying them either as “forestland” or “not forestland” according to:
- Fire risk potential
- Vegetation type (fire fuel)
- Community structure
- Proximity to other forestland
The committee’s efforts are helping to resolve issues pertaining to ODF’s fire suppression role on forestlands and adjacent properties, and is the basis for assessing lands for the costs of wildland fire protection.
Landowners with questions about the assessment, regulations or general information can call the ODF office nearest them:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
June 25, 2021
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 25, 2021) – 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, June 28, 2021 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 chain saws and mowers. 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.
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 1/8th 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.
June 21, 2021
GOLD HILL, Ore. (June 21, 2021) – Despite the heat, steep terrain and dense brush, crews on the North River Road Fire, located on Bureau of Land Management land along the 4300-block of North River Road between Gold Hill and Rogue River, are continuing to make significant progress on mop-up operations; the fire is 80% contained as of Monday evening. The entire fire is currently mopped up 100-feet into the interior, with some areas even more so. The fire lines are holding strong, and the fire remains 60 acres.
Due to the status of the fire, resources for the nightshift are being slightly decreased. One 20-person crew will be on scene overnight to continue mop-up efforts and monitor for hotspots. Two 20-person crews are scheduled for the Tuesday dayshift. Two helicopters, a type 2 and type 3, will also be available for bucket drops as needed.
With dangerous conditions, including triple-digit temperatures, safety on the fire line has been a major focus for crews since the fire first started late Saturday afternoon. Firefighters are encouraged to remain hydrated and take breaks as needed. Since the start of this incident, no injuries have been reported, and no heat exhaustion has occurred. Supervisors and crews will continue to monitor each other throughout the completion of this fire, given an excessive heat warning and fire weather watch have been issued for the region.
A level 1 (BE READY) evacuation order by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road and the surrounding areas has been lifted. The Mountain of the Rogue biking trails remain closed to the public, as firefighting activity is taking place on the trails. The Bureau of Land Management will reopen these trails when the agency deems that it is safe to do so.
The North River Road Fire was first reported on Saturday, June 19 at approximately 4:30 p.m. The cause remains under investigation. Multiple agencies responded alongside ODF, including Rogue River Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Roads Department and numerous contract crews; these partnerships are greatly appreciated by ODF.
This will be the final update on the North River Road Fire unless conditions significantly change. Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
June 21, 2021
GOLD HILL, Ore. (June 21, 2021) – Crews assigned to the North River Road Fire, located along the 4300-block of North River Road between Gold Hill and Rogue River, continued to make steady progress on mop-up operations overnight; the fire is now 65% contained. Lines along the perimeter are holding strong and the fire remains 60 acres, burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Overnight, crews were able to mop up 50 feet into the interior of the fire along the entire perimeter. Three 20-person, two 10-person crews and three type-6 engines will continue that work today. A type two and type three helicopter will be available to the fire should bucket drops be necessary.
Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River and the surrounding area of the North River Road Fire. That evacuation notice remains in effect. North River Road is now open, however, the public is advised to used alternate routes if possible for the safety of firefighters working in the area. The BLM Mountain of the Rogue biking trails remain closed to the public for safety concerns and wildfire operations along the trails.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ODF would like to thank our partner agencies who have provided resources on this fire, including Rogue River Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Roads Department.
Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
June 20, 2021
GOLD HILL, Ore. (June 20, 2021) – Mop-up work on the North River Road Fire, located along the 4300-block of North River Road between Gold Hill and Rogue River, is progressing quickly; crews were able to contain 50% of the fire during dayshift operations. Hot temperatures and windy conditions caused multiple flare-up’s in the perimeter of the fire, however, helicopters assigned to the incident were able to effectively extinguish them, and the lines are holding strong. The fire is 60 acres burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Two 20-person hand crews will be tasked with continuing the mop-up efforts overnight, along with one type-6 engine. Significant progress is expected with lower evening temperatures and higher relative humidity.
Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River and the surrounding area of the North River Road Fire. That evacuation notice remains in effect. North River Road is now open, however, the public is advised to used alternate routes if possible for the safety of firefighters working in the area. The BLM Mountain of the Rogue biking trails remain closed to the public for safety concerns and wildfire operations along the trails.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ODF would like to thank our partner agencies who have provided resources on this fire, including Rogue River Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Roads Department.
Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
June 20, 2021
GOLD HILL, Ore. (June 20, 2021) – Overnight progress on the North River Road Fire, located along the 4300-block of North River Road between Gold Hill and Rogue River, proved to be extremely successful; firefighters were able to line 100% of the perimeter, and begin mop-up operations. The fire is currently 5% contained, however crews assigned to the incident today will continue to further mop-up efforts while holding the lines. Firefighters were able to GPS map the fire overnight as well, and determined it’s 60 acres in size. The majority of the fire is burning on Bureau of Land Management lands, including the Mountain of the Rogue biking trails; they are currently closed to the public for safety concerns and wildfire operations along the trails.
Additional resources arrived on scene Sunday morning for a change in shift at 8:00 a.m., including three 20-person crews and three contract engines. A type two and type three helicopter are assigned to the fire today and will be doing bucket drops on particularly difficult areas. Forecasted triple digit temperatures are posing a risk for increased fire activity and causing concern for firefighter safety; crews working on the fire today are being briefed on these challenges and will focus on holding lines, monitoring fire behavior and staying hydrated.
The North River Road Fire was first reported at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 19. Rogue River Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Roads Department responded alongside ODF.
Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River and the surrounding area of the North River Road Fire. That evacuation notice remains in effect. North River Road is now open, however, the public is advised to used alternate routes if possible for the safety of firefighters working in the area.
The cause is currently under investigation; as there were no reports of lightning, it has been determined to be human-caused. Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
June 19, 2021
GOLD HILL, Ore. (June 19, 2021) – Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District firefighters are actively engaged on the North River Road Fire, located on the 4300-block of North River Road between Rogue River and Gold Hill. The fire, which was first reported at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, is estimated to be 40 acres in size. It is currently 20% lined; three 20-person hand crews will be working overnight with the goal of lining the entire perimeter.
Rogue River Fire District #1 was the first resource on scene of the North River Road Fire. At that time, it was estimated to be one acre and burning in steep terrain with dense brush. Windy conditions were pushing the fire up the slope, and it quickly grew to an estimated 3-5 acres. Multiple ODF engines, two bulldozers and multiple aircraft were ordered, including a type one and two type two helicopters and an air attack platform. Additional resources from Jackson County Fire District 3, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire, Evans Valley Fire District #6, Medford Fire-Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Roads Department responded.
Within three hours, the fire had grown to be an estimated 40 acres. Jackson County Emergency Management issued a level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice for the 1000-3000 blocks of Wards Creek Road in Rogue River and the surrounding area of the North River Road Fire. That evacuation notice remains in effect.
Investigators will be on scene to work on determining the cause of the fire. In the next week, the weather is continuing to warm up; temperatures are forecasted to be in the 100’s this week. Please use extreme caution, as fires can easily spread in these conditions. Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
