East Evans Creek Fire Perimeter Holds, 15,580 Acres and 46% Contained
Firefighters continued securing and mopping-up the East Evans Creek Fire perimeter yesterday, while improved accuracy in mapping showed the reduced acreage for the incident at 15,580 acres with 46% containment. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews overnight continued mopping up adjacent to the control line, gridding for hot spots or visible smoke. Today, operations will continue increasing mop-up depth along the perimeter. Seven helicopters are assigned to the incident, available to support ground resources for aerial reconnaissance and water drops. Temperatures in the upper 80’s, improved relative humidity and shifting winds are expected to create elevated fire conditions today. Traffic is heavy along the roadways in the fire area as crews continue to patrol and mop-up the fire edge, use caution when traveling the area around the fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1 is transitioning command of the fire to a Florida Complex Incident Management Team on Monday at 6 a.m. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.
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Search Warrant Served After Child Sexual Abuse Material Sent to Undercover Agent
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ashland Police Department served a search warrant Wednesday morning in Ashland. The warrant was served after investigators received over 2000 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) directly from an unidentified suspect. Potential witnesses and involved parties were interviewed, and investigators are working to identify the suspect. Once identified, criminal charges will be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office. SOCET served the search warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of Russell Street in Ashland. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined for further evidence of child exploitation. No further details will be released at this time.
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Ashland Police Lodge Armed Suspect in Attempted Armed Robbery Incident
Ashland Police Department officers responded to the area of the 500 block of Clover Lane for a report of two male subjects fighting in the parking lot of a nearby business Sunday around 3:30 p.m. The police department's Facebook page reports that, upon arrival, one of the subjects, later identified as the suspect, was still on scene. Another subject, later identified as the victim, had left the area. The investigation indicated that the victim was sitting in a van when the suspect approached, presented a gun, and demanded property from the victim. This led to the physical altercation that resulted in calls to 911. The victim and suspect appear to have known each other. The investigation revealed that two handguns had been in play during the altercation, both in the possession of the suspect, and both of which were recovered on scene by responding officers. One of the handguns was found to have been outfitted with a home-made suppressor. One shot was found to have been fired during the altercation, striking the victim’s vehicle, a van. Officers and members of APD’s Criminal Investigation Division identified and interviewed several witnesses and collected evidence.
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