Firefighters working the Salt Creek Fire near Eagle Point were able to hold it largely within its footprint on Monday, despite another day of triple-digit heat and windy conditions.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the wildfire was still estimated to be around 1,500 acres last night. An overnight infrared flight was ordered and it will likely be able to give a more accurate size of the fire later this morning.
A few spot fires were found on the eastern portion of the incident and flames began to cross a line on the southern border, but resources caught each of these issues and were able to halt any further spread. Fire activity began to pick up at the change of shift at 6 p.m. and a column of smoke once again stood up.
Despite challenges on the line yesterday, progress was made and the fire is now an estimated 60% lined. Mop-up efforts have begun on the west side of the blaze and are about 5% complete.
There were 290 personnel assigned to the wildfire last night including eight 20-person hand crews backed by 14 engines, nine bulldozers, seven water tenders and five task force leaders.
ODF Incident Management Team 1 has taken command of the Salt Creek Fire, which is relieving local agencies so they can respond to any new local fire starts.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management has issued a Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notice north of Highway 140 in the Lake Creek area, east of Salt Creek Road, and south and west of Fish Lake Road including the Willow Lake area. There are no structures threatened at this time.
