ODF Issues Final Update on 453-Acre Upper Applegate Fire at 55% Containment

In its final update on the Upper Applegate Fire, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported the 453-acre wildfire was 55% contained and crews were pushing forward with mop-up operations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. After a short duration of heavy rain over the incident on Friday night, temperatures remained much lower than normal on Saturday with a light drizzle that helped crews mop up 100 feet into the fire's perimeter. The goal on Sunday was 150 feet. On Saturday morning, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management cancelled all remaining evacuation notices in the area. Upper and Little Applegate roads remained open. However, firefighters were still working in the area so motorists were encouraged to be aware and cautious. The Upper Applegate Fire was reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18th as a grass fire nearly a year to the day of last year's 1,142-acre Upper Applegate incident. Both fires were located in the same general area, with similar weather and vegetation moisture levels -- but this year's fire started roughly three hours earlier in the day. ODF fire managers attribute bringing initial attack firefighters on earlier as well as hazard tree mitigation work in the area completed by the BLM this year to the success of firefighters on the ground. ...Read more

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Fight Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Upper Applegate Road Fire burning in Jackson County. The state of Oregon's request for a declaration under FEMA's Fire Management Assistance Grant program was approved by FEMA Acting Administrator Vincent Maykovich. He determined that the Upper Applegate Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. At the time of the state's request, the local wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Upper Applegate, Ruch and Buncom. The fire was threatening communication infrastructure, electric utilities, campground and trail recreation sites, watershed, fishing and spawning sites, environmental resources and cultural resources. FEMA grants make funding available to pay up to 75% of a state's eligible costs for fighting fires that threaten to become major disasters. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. ...Read more

AllCare Awards Grant to Rogue Community Health to Improve Rural Access & Equity

AllCare Health has awarded a grant of more than $14,500 to Rogue Community Health to support expanded rural transportation services for vulnerable residents in Jackson and Josephine counties. Officials said the initiative addresses critical gaps in access to essential services outside traditional healthcare coverage. Funding will help provide those living in rural parts of the two counties with services developed to meet their transportation needs. Rogue Community Health is helping ensure that people can access the resources that support their health and dignity. By emphasizing transportation for non-covered services, this project strengthens community resilience and reduces isolation -- especially for those who experience geographic limitations, economic hardship or disability. The grant reflects AllCare Health's ongoing commitment to investing in strategies that address social determinants of health and promoting equitable access to care and community participation. ...Read more