Firefighters were making good progress on two wildfires burning on opposite ends of Jackson County that were reported within the space of 15 minutes on Thursday afternoon.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reported this morning that the Highway 62 Fire located south of Shady Cove was holding at 75 acres. The fire on both private and Bureau of Land Management land was 100% lined and 60% plumbed. More than 100 personnel were assigned to that wildfire today.
The Upper Applegate Fire located south of Ruch was challenging firefighters this morning. It's estimated to be at least 500 acres and is burning in extremely steep terrain affecting private, BLM and US Forest Service land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. More than 100 personnel backed by bulldozers and helicopters were assigned to that fire today, with additional aircraft available.
A Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notice for the Highway 62 Fire was canceled this morning, but a Level 1 notice remains in effect for the Upper Applegate Fire on Eastside Road south of Little Applegate Road to north of McKee Bridge, and for Little Applegate Road west of Upper Applegate Road and eastern portions of Sterling Creek Road near Jacksonville.
Numerous resources responded to both of these incidents including ODF, BLM, USFS, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District #4, and both the Rogue Valley Wildland Strike Team and Task Force, which is comprised of firefighters and resources from agencies across Jackson and Josephine counties.
ODF officials said hot temperatures and low relative humidity will help to naturally increase fire behavior today. They said crews are aware of this potential and are planning accordingly. Both fires have hazard trees and some have fallen.
