Grizzly Complex of Fires in Late Stages of Mop-Up
Fire lines across the Grizzly Complex are holding strong as firefighters work to finalize containment and extinguish remaining hot spots. The overall containment across the complex reached 58%, with all fires individually at least 50% contained. Over half of the fires reached 90% or more containment and are being actively patrolled for potential flare-ups, although none have been found to date. Today, continued progress is expected, with day crews aiming to complete 300 feet of mop-up into the fire perimeters, extinguishing all fire or heat throughout these areas. This progress will allow repair work to begin and enable some resources to be released from the fire line. Initial attack resources from ODF CIMT 3 remain ready to respond to any new flare-ups or fire starts in the area alongside the ODF Southwest Oregon District. Some smoke may still be visible from the center of fire perimeters. Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notices remain in place for zones JAC-542, JAC-558, and Zone JAC-536. For the latest updates on evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com. All lanes on Interstate 5 are now open, but firefighters are still working in the area. Please be aware and use caution when traveling near any fire zones.
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Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team Busts Illegal Pot Grow in Eagle Point
Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant the morning of Thursday, July 10, at a black-market cannabis grow on a farm in rural Eagle Point. During the execution of the warrant in the 15200 block of Highway 62, detectives seized approximately 988 illegal marijuana plants, 22 lbs. of processed cannabis, and $3000 cash. One suspect was detained on scene and charges of felony marijuana manufacture and possession are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office..There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $15,000 in fines to the landowner. The fines were issued for failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, utilizing RV’s for dwelling purposes within a marijuana grow site, solid waste, an unpermitted second dwelling, and multiple unsafe and non-permitted electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural installations.
Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section Watermasters also responded to investigate the property’s water usage. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for the unlawful use and appropriation of groundwater for the cultivation of an unpermitted crop. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
Investigations are open and ongoi
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Firefighters Hold Grizzly Fires within Perimeters
All Fires in the Grizzly Complex are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up. Crews are focusing on removing snags, strengthening lines and extinguishing hot spots along fire perimeters. Acreage on individual fires was updated due to an infrared flight last night giving more accurate area information.
Despite high temperatures and gusty conditions Tuesday, crews held the fires within their current footprints and increased mop-up operations and total containment within the complex.Late last night, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) quickly redeployed one CAL FIRE strike team of firefighters to assist at the rapidly growing Hagelstein Fire, 14 miles north of Klamath Falls near Highway 97.The ODF Southwest Oregon District continues suppression efforts on additional fires within the district. Resources remain available to respond to new fire starts within the complex area.Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notices remain in place for zones JAC-542, JAC-558, and Zone JAC-536. One lane of Interstate 5 is closed to protect firefighters between mile markers 8.5 and 10.5 on southbound lanes only. Check tripcheck.com for up-to-date traffic information.For fire local information anytime, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.
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