Firefighters Continue Aggressive Woodrat Firefight, Estimated at 200 Acres
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Woodrat Mountain Fire is now estimated at 200 acres. Firefighters continue an aggressive suppression effort as additional resources arrive to support operations. Two large air tankers (LATs) with a lead plane are en route and will join the helicopters already assigned to the incident. Aircraft are utilizing both retardant drops and water bucket drops to help slow the fire's spread. Ground resources, including multiple hand crews, engines, water tenders, and dozers, continue working in challenging terrain to strengthen control lines and address multiple spot fires. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zone JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, and JAC-438. The Jackson County Fairgrounds, 21 Peninger Road, in Central Point is open for animal evacuations. Please avoid the fire area and watch for emergency vehicles responding to the incident. ...Read more
JoCo Sheriff's Office Updates Public on Search for Missing Man
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update after receiving a report of missing adult, David Wright back on July 26th. The initial investigation indicates that David left on his own accord on July 21st between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a white bicycle, leaving his cell phone and personal financial documents on the desk in his office. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation July 27th and located camera footage of David at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:25 a.m. on the bicycle, where he purchased a bottle of water. Five minutes later, additional footage was observed of Wright riding his bicycle outbound on Highway 238 towards Hidden Valley Market. This was the last time Wright was seen in the area. Detectives have continued searching daily since his disappearance. Cameras and roadways in all the surrounding areas, including Provolt, Williams, and Wilderville have been searched.
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Woodrat Fire Reported south of Jacksonville, Approximately 150 Acres
Multiple resources are responding to the Woodrat Mountain Fire, now estimated at 130 to 150 acres. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports ordered resources continue arriving to support suppression efforts as firefighters build on the progress made throughout the afternoon. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zone JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, and JAC-438. The Jackson County Fairgrounds, 21 Peninger Road, in Central Point is open for Level 2 animal evacuations. Despite hot temperatures, steep terrain, hazardous snags, and dense timber, crews continue making good progress while working aggressively to limit the fire's growth. Ground and aviation resources remain actively engaged across the incident, with additional resources arriving to support operations through the evening. Please avoid the area and watch for emergency vehicles responding to the incident.
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