The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Garner Complex burning in and around Josephine County grew by more than 3,600 acres on Sunday.
According to ODF, the complex of lightning-sparked wildfires was 11,564 acres in size as of late last night and containment was listed at 14%. Incident Management teams were hoping to have the fires fully contained by August 7th.
The Taylor Creek Fire burning west of Grants Pass has become the focus of the battle as it threatens hundreds of homes situated on and near Riverbanks Road. Structure task forces were busy Sunday doing triage, assessment and protection of homes in evacuation areas.
Due to the challenging fire behavior and topography, indirect control lines are being built around much of the fire with a combination of hand crews and dozers. Some existing roads and old firelines from previous wildfires are being utilized. The smoke inversion kept aircraft grounded much of the day yesterday.
Construction of direct and indirect control lines continues on the Grave Creek Fires. Incident commanders report much of the fire is holding within the lines on the north and west flanks, and hose-lays are in place in these areas. Much of the focus yesterday was creating a fire line across the southern edge to tie in with line between the Ditch and Pleasant Creek fires. The Spencer Creek Fires are subdued.
Currently, 2,162 personnel are assigned to the Garner Complex. There are 70 handcrews, 100 engines, 38 water tenders, 26 assigned aircraft, 25 bulldozers and nine structural task forces. Total cost in the firefight so far is nearly $8.9 million.
Two public meetings are scheduled for local communities most affected by the Garner Complex fires. The first meeting will take place this evening at 6 p.m. at North Valley High School, 6741 Monument Drive. The second will happen on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Evans Valley Community Center in Wimer.
