East Evans Creek Fire Lines Holding, Crews Brace for Returning Critical Weather
Firefighters pushed forward on East Evans Creek Fire progress, holding and strengthening lines around spot fires, and increasing containment to 8% on the 13,999 acre blaze. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, mop up operations on the main fire continued last night across the southern, western, and northern flanks, with all control lines holding. Lines on the Board Mountain and Canyon Creek spot fires held as well. Resources tackling the blaze include 58 hand crews, 128 engines, 67 heavy equipment units, 55, water tenders, and 14 aircraft. Structural firefighters continued overnight mop-up operations around threatened structures. The past 36 hours provided a break in high temperatures and lower relative humidity, but firefighters are prepared for potential increased fire activity. Crews will watch for spot fires and areas where the fire could threaten existing lines. According to the Watch Duty app, the following evacuations are still active by level:
- Evacuation Level 3 Go Now: Zones JAC-017, JAC-109, JAC-124 JAC-126, JAC-127-A, and JAC-149-B.
- Evacuation Level 2 Be Set: Zones JAC-016, JAC-026, JAC-111, JAC-112, JAC-127-B, JAC-131, JAC-132, JAC-133, JAC-134, JAC-147, JAC-148, and JAC-149-A.
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-014, JAC-036, and JAC-158, Shady Cove Zones SHC-151, SHC-152, SHC-153, SHC-154, SHC-156, and SHC-157, and Douglas County Zones DOU-1012, and DOU-1015.
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Human Remains Potentially Connected to Homicide Case Located by JoCo SAR
A member of the Josephine County Search and Rescue (SAR) team located human remains believed to be connected to a homicide case. The team member was checking along Reuben Mountain beyond the Grave Creek Bridge Thursday around 12:15pm. Based on observations along the roadside, they suspected human remains were in the area. Due to a lack of cell phone service in the area, the SAR member began driving back towards Merlin to make phone contact with investigators. They came upon Oregon State Police troopers and a Sheriff’s Office deputy at the Galice Resort and relayed their observations. Law enforcement responded to the reported area and traversed down the steep, rugged terrain where the deceased person was located. Detectives from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office then responded to the scene with a rope team from Search and Rescue. The rope team was able to successfully recover the deceased person, whom investigators believe to be Randall “Randy” Hecker. However, confirmation will still need to be completed during a pending autopsy with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Next of kin have been notified.
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Detectives Investigating Rural Central Point Homicide, Suspect in Custody
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in a rural Central Point residence. The suspect is in custody. Wednesday morning, dispatch received a call around 4:05 a.m. of gunshots heard near the 6000 block of Kershaw Road. Deputies responded and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside the residence. Next-of-kin has been notified. The victim is Juan Carlos Ramirez-Arango, 62, of Central Point. Evidence collected during the investigation led to the arrest of Pamela Sue Maya, 67, of Central Point. She was in a relationship with the victim. Maya has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held in the Jackson County Jail. Ashland Oregon Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney's Office responded to assist. The Oregon State Police Forensics Lab processed the crime scene. There is no further information available for release at this time.
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