The Oregon Department of Forestry is continuing aggressive suppression action across all fires in Jackson and Josephine counties, the majority of which were caused by lightning strikes during Monday evening thunderstorms.
As of Wednesday night, the fire count remained at 72 between the two counties, with numerous fires already caught and extinguished at small sizes. The remaining fires are staffed with resources and progress continues to be made across the board despite hot and windy conditions that naturally fuel fire growth.
ODF's Complex Incident Management Team 3 is taking command of the larger fire incidents this morning, freeing up local resources to be ready for potential new fire starts.
The Neil Creek Road Fire located south of Ashland and west of Interstate 5 is still estimated to be 250 acres. With help of additional retardant drops yesterday, crews have been able to solidify line around 50% of the fire's perimeter. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have placed area residents under a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notice. One lane of Interstate 5 is closed between mile markers 8.5 and 10.5 on both sides of the freeway.
The Deming Gulch Fire located northeast of Buncom is currently estimated to be 250 acres while the Heppsie Mountain Fire south of Highway 140 near Lake Creek remains 40 acres in size. The nearby Poole Hill Fire has been stopped at 11.5 acres. The North Fork Deer Creek Fire located in the hills east of Selma is 42 acres, the Jim Me Peak Fire south of Applegate is estimated to be 70 acres and the Palmer Peak Fire near Applegate was last reported to be 90 acres.
Numerous other fires are staffed across the district and are being kept at small sizes. Updates on the smaller incidents are not being provided at this time -- but if conditions change and there are any threats to homes, communities or roads, information will be provided as timely and accurately as possible.
