Multiple Agencies Pounced on Vegetation Fire along Highway 199 at Hayes Hill
Multiple federal, state and local agencies pounced on a small vegetation fire along Redwood Highway on Hayes Hill yesterday.
On Thursday at 2:25 p.m., the Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry and US Forest Service were dispatched to the blaze located near Hayes Hill Summit of US Highway 199.
Numerous engines and a Type 2 ODF helicopter out of Grants Pass were deployed in an aggressive initial attack. An additional Type 2 helicopter and an air attack plane out of Medford were ordered to bolster the effort.
In a 3:50 p.m. update, ODF reported forward progress of the fire had been stopped at an estimated two acres. A few spot fires were found and extinguished while crews engaged in building line and putting water on hot spots.
In a final update at 4:10 p.m., ODF reported the fire had been GPS-mapped at two acres and was entirely on US Forest Service land. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest took command of the incident as other agencies continued mop-up operations. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
The intense firefight prompted the Oregon Department of Transportation to issue a traffic bulletin for motorists to expect delays and lane closures. Motorists were asked to watch for fire personnel and vehicles.
Posted on 7/4/25 6:59AM by Sam Marsh
