Progress Made on Forks Park Fire, Aircraft Requested
Air and ground resources are making great progress on the Fork State Park Fire, estimated at approximately 8 acres. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters are continuing to work on establishing line around the fire, while aircraft supports crews from the air. Air tankers, a lead plane, three Type 1 and two Type 2 helicopters were requested to assist. A roughly 0.1-acre spot fire on the south side has also been quickly attacked and mitigated. Two Type 2 helicopters have been released from the incident. Please continue to avoid the area along Redwood Highway in Cave Junction while crews remain actively working. According to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, a Level 2: BE SET Evacuation warning is in effect for Zones JCU 512-B, JCU 513-B, and JCU-516 -- West Side Rd to Rockydale Rd/S to Pinewood way.
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Woodrat Mountain Fire Mop-Up Advances, Zones Downgraded
Firefighters are moving farther into the Woodrat Mountain Fire interior, with mop-up reaching 150 feet from the perimeter of the 35% contained, 282 acre blaze. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews are focused on locating and extinguishing remaining heat spots. Falling modules continue removing hazardous snags throughout the incident. A strong ground response remains across the south, north, and east sides of the fire, thanks to falling and suppression modules, hand crews, engines, water tenders, dozers, and skid units. Three Type 1, three Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters are available today to support ground resources. Temperatures remain warm but have eased from earlier highs, while improving overnight humidity recoveries are expected to provide favorable conditions for deeper mop-up. All zones have been downgraded to normal. The official cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
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Officer-Involved Shooting Results in Hospitalized Suspect, OSP Investigating
Grants Pass Police officers responded today at 7:09 a.m. to the 1600 block of NE 6th Street following reports of a male with a firearm attempting to break into a vehicle. According to a GPPD news release, during the incident, the suspect displayed the weapon, then struck the victim’s head with the body of the gun. After the confrontation, the suspect fled on foot, running south on NE 7th Street. Responding patrol officers observed the suspect on Midland Avenue. During the encounter, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with the perceived imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms. The officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm at the time of the encounter. Emergency medical aid was immediately rendered to the suspect, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire and Rescue.
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