ODF Reports Significant Overnight Progress on Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires
Crews gained significant ground overnight on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires near O'Brien and Cave Junction, building on yesterday's aggressive initial attack. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, overnight humidity recoveries gave crews more favorable conditions to reinforce containment lines and make headway on the fires. The Waldo Fire is at an estimated 30.69 acres. Firefighters completed dozer line and hose lay around the entire fire overnight, marking a major milestone in suppression efforts. Today, crews will expand mop-up operations and improve existing containment lines. Resources assigned to the fire include three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, two water tenders, one dozer, and one faller module for removing hazardous fire-weakened trees. The Ridge Vista Fire remains at approximately 15 acres. Crews completed line construction and hose lay around the entire fire overnight and have mopped up approximately 20 feet in from the perimeter. Today's work will focus on extending mop-up farther into the interior while securing the fire's edge and extinguishing remaining pockets of heat. Resources assigned to the Ridge Vista Fire include three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, one water tender, and one dozer.
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Crews, Resources Make Progress on Spot Fires in East Evans Creek Fire Fight
Fire crews completed fire line around the active portion of the Board Mountain spot fire, with further progress expected today on the East Evans Creek Fire. The blaze is now 15,015.3 acres and 8% contained according to the Watch Duty app. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update said resources strengthened existing control lines on the Board Mountain spot, with crews focusing on the southern portion of the fire south of Boswell Mountain. Operations today will continue with line improvement and mop-up on Board Mountain. Structural resources remain near homes in the Antioch, Jones Road, and Pomeroy. Aircraft will work with ground resources to address hot spots and support firefighters, while structural tenders will provide water delivery to helicopter dip sites. Across the main fire, control lines held, and crews held the Canyon Creek spot fire within its existing footprint while working to secure the perimeter of the spot fire northwest of Hull Mountain. Despite cooler morning temperatures and observed isolated showers, winds are expected to pick up. Firefighters remain positioned to build on yesterday's progress while remaining alert to potentially increased fire activity as conditions shift.
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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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