Evans Creek Fire Remains within Control Lines, Containment at 33%
Firefighters continue strengthening control lines across the East Evans Creek Fire, with the latest report showing containment increasing to 33%. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports many resources are shifting to day operations as the fire has remained in its footprint for multiple shifts at 15,705 acres with no overnight growth. Established control lines have been held, with protection around homes strengthened as part of ongoing suppression efforts. Oregon State Fire Marshal resources are returning to their home agencies. Unneeded resources are being released to mobilize for other state incidents. Crews are using handheld infrared cameras and Unmanned Aircraft Systems to locate residual heat around the Board Mountain spot fire and along the edge of the main fire. Thunderstorms yesterday with 30 to 35 mph winds passed over the fire area, increasing visible smoke. Today, crews remain focused strengthening the established containment lines and further securing the perimeter, 63 miles of fireline have been constructed around the fire. Air assets continue to support the incident with aerial observation for ground crew intel and water drops to cool areas of heat. Interior parts of the fire are still smoldering with dry fuel.
...Read more
Ashland Police Lodge Armed Suspect in Attempted Armed Robbery Incident
Ashland Police Department officers responded to the area of the 500 block of Clover Lane for a report of two male subjects fighting in the parking lot of a nearby business Sunday around 3:30 p.m. The police department's Facebook page reports that, upon arrival, one of the subjects, later identified as the suspect, was still on scene. Another subject, later identified as the victim, had left the area. The investigation indicated that the victim was sitting in a van when the suspect approached, presented a gun, and demanded property from the victim. This led to the physical altercation that resulted in calls to 911. The victim and suspect appear to have known each other. The investigation revealed that two handguns had been in play during the altercation, both in the possession of the suspect, and both of which were recovered on scene by responding officers. One of the handguns was found to have been outfitted with a home-made suppressor. One shot was found to have been fired during the altercation, striking the victim’s vehicle, a van. Officers and members of APD’s Criminal Investigation Division identified and interviewed several witnesses and collected evidence.
...Read more
ODF's Final Waldo, Ridge Vista Fire Update Shows Mop-Up Progress
Crews continued making progress on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires today, with Waldo now approximately 80% mopped up, and Ridge Vista at about 50% mop-up. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews are systemically gridding for hidden heat, extinguishing remaining hotspots, and ensuring both fires remain secure. No spot fires were identified on either of the main blazes, with this allowing firefighters to continue securing the Waldo Fire's edge. It remains at 31 acres. Ridge Vista Firefighters located three interior smokes within the perimeter and quickly mitigated them before continuing suppression work. It is still at 15.5 acres. The cause of both fires is under investigation. With the potential for lightning in the coming days, eliminating existing heat is especially important so firefighters can keep both fires secure while remaining ready to respond to any new starts. This will be the final Waldo and Ridge Vista fire update from ODF, unless conditions change significantly.
...Read more
