East Evans Creek Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions, Acreage around 5,370

Crews are braced for another demanding day on the East Evans Creek Fire, as hot and dry conditions combine with the potential for gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update says extreme fire behavior and spotting created challenging evening conditions across the north, northwest, and northeast areas of the blaze, now estimated at around 5,370 acres. Moderate overnight conditions allowed crews to engage multiple spot fires and strengthen suppression efforts. Hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, overhead personnel, and aviation resources ordered by ODF and the Oregon State Fire Marshal reflect the incident's complexity. Smoke from the fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zones JAC-124 and JAC-148-A remain in effect. ...Read more

Jackson County Public Health Encouraging Preparedness for Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality

Jackson County Public Health is encouraging community members to prepare for potential air quality impacts from the East Evans Creek Road Fire. According to Jackson County Health and Human Services, smoke levels can rise or fall quickly depending on changing weather conditions. It is important for people to stay alert and monitor air quality throughout wildfire season. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose, and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Those known to be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposures include children less than 18 years, Adults 65 or older, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions. During a wildfire smoke event, Jackson County Public Health officials advise people to take precautions like staying aware of smoke concentrations and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Drink plenty of water, and keep ...Read more

Council Moves for Lodging Tax Allocation, Tourism Grant Program to Remain the Same

The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of the current Lodging Tax Allocation, thanks to a tie breaking vote from Mayor Clint Scherf. During the 11:45 a.m. workshop, council heard a presentation on the tax allocation, with funding utilized for Fire and Police Division operations, as well as Economic and Downtown Development. House Bill 4148, which allows net local transient lodging tax revenue to be used for resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry, will go into effect January 1st, 2027. This move follows amendments to an Oregon Revised Statute, and could lead to the potential change in the allocation of about $43,900. Next was a Tourism Grant Program review. $35,000 have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2026, and the Tourism Advisory Committee recommended updates to the program like changes to scoring and application, plus the expansion of location criteria. Council moved 5-3 to not accept the recommendations, keeping the program in place, and to bring on a council liaison to the committee. Council continued their Owl Plaza discussion regarding plaza use policies and ...Read more