Spot Fires Contained during Fight against Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires
Firefighters quickly caught and contained new fire activity while strengthening containment lines and expanding mop-up operations on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Waldo Fire crews were quick to respond when three spot fires crossed the containment line, attacking and mitigating the new spots before they could become established. The main fire is estimated to at 31 acres. Firefighters also completed hazard tree or snag mitigation operations, eliminating one of the operational challenges crews faced. Tonight, two 20-person hand crews, three engines, two tenders, and a dozer have been assigned to continue securing the fire. On the Ridge Vista Fire, crews completed 30 to 40 feet of mop-up around the perimeter and have now mopped up approximately 15% of the incident. Earlier today, firefighters quickly contained the Lamont Way Fire, a one-acre spot fire confirmed to have originated from the main fire. ...Read more

OSP Responded to Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Highway 140

The Oregon State Police responded Saturday at 7:05 p.m. to a fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Jackson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a black Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Brian Jay Moore, 54, of Eagle Point, was traveling westbound on Highway 140 near milepost 6 when the motorcycle left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck the guardrail. Moore was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses reported the motorcycle was being ridden at high speeds immediately prior to the crash. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. ...Read more

Crews, Resources Make Progress on Spot Fires in East Evans Creek Fire Fight

Fire crews completed fire line around the active portion of the Board Mountain spot fire, with further progress expected today on the East Evans Creek Fire. The blaze is now 15,015.3 acres and 8% contained according to the Watch Duty app. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update said resources strengthened existing control lines on the Board Mountain spot, with crews focusing on the southern portion of the fire south of Boswell Mountain. Operations today will continue with line improvement and mop-up on Board Mountain. Structural resources remain near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road, and Pomeroy. Aircraft will work with ground resources to address hot spots and support firefighters, while structural tenders will provide water delivery to helicopter dip sites. Across the main fire, control lines held, and crews held the Canyon Creek spot fire within its existing footprint while working to secure the perimeter of the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain. Despite cooler morning temperatures and observed isolated showers, winds are expected to pick up. Firefighters remain positioned to build on yesterday's progress while remaining alert to potentially increased fire activity as conditions shift. ...Read more