Progress on East Evans Creek Fire Brings 66% Containment, Florida Team Takes Over
Firefighters made steady progress throughout the weekend on the East Evans Creek Fire, with containment lines being further reinforced, continued suppression repairs, and more than 300 feet of mop-up taking place along the perimeter. The latest Oregon Department of Forestry update reports the fire is 15,580 acres and is 66% contained. Crews took advantage of good overnight relative humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations. Light interior smoke remains as pockets of unburned vegetation continue to smolder. Infrared mapping was used to assist with today's mop-up efforts. The Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the East Evans Creek Fire this morning. Weather will again elevate fire conditions, with mid to upper 80s temperatures and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes and remain ready for any new starts. 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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