Firefighters Continue Line Work, Suppression Efforts, Evacuation Levels Updated
Fire crews overnight worked to limit growth of new spot fires and hold existing fireline on the East Evans Creek Fire, still estimated at about 11,551.4 acres. The Oregon Department of Forestry's morning update reports air tankers were used to slow the growth of the Canyon Creek spot fire while firefighters constructed fireline around its perimeter. Crews worked to establish a control line on the spot fire near Hull Mountain and strengthen the main fire's existing line. Today, efforts to complete the main line will continue. Four additional strike teams of Type 1 engines will arrive today to expand structure protection operations in the Ramsey Creek, Trail, and Shady Cove areas, where firefighters are assessing homes, improving defensible space, and preparing for changing fire conditions. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have issued the following evacuations 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-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, SHC-157, and SHC-158, and Douglas County Zones DOU-1012, and DOU-1015.
Traffic is closed to the public on East Evans Creek Road at Meadows Road. The BLM has issued a road closure for West Fork Evans Creek Road and Rock Creek Road. The Tiller-Trail Highway is closed at the county border in Jackson County to Highway 62. Please avoid the fire area to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate safely.
...Read more
BCC Hears Legal Counsel, Department Business, Discussed Communications
The Board of Commissioners met to hear Legal Counsel Business at Tuesday's workshop. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room, an Intergovernmental Agreement for the 4H Extension and OSU Service District was discussed, including the potential Rogue Community College facility intentions. The presented budget reportedly covers all of the District's anticipated business needs for Fiscal Year 2027. A meeting will be scheduled for final approval, then the board moved 2-0 in favor of a Community Development Block Grant Conflict of Interest Letter. Commissioner Colene Martin abstained. There was no vote on the Jail and Juvenile Justice Levy renewal, and the public will have a chance to comment on the topic. The board unanimously approved a motion to elect in favor of the SRS funding mechanism, with 85% of Title 1 funds, 8% Title 2 funds, and 7% Title 3 funds. A Personnel Policy regarding At-Will Employment will be brought back to the board. There was interest in making County Administrative Policies and Procedures as clear as possible, potentially reviewing them with a committee. This will be a continued discussion.
...Read more
JoCo Sheriff's Office Search for Missing Man, Attempted Murder Case Under Investigation
Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded July 7th around 9:43 a.m. to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances. An official release from the department said that, upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation. The suspect identified in this case was Israel Wytcherley, who resides near the victim’s residence. Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass. He was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Unlawful use of a Weapon. While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred. Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds. Hecker was last seen wearing bluish grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer. The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest.
...Read more
