Local News

Wednesday was the first day this week that Jackson and Josephine counties did not see any thunderstorm activity, but the Oregon Department of Forestry is continuing to find smoldering lightning-caused fires.

Last night, an ODF reconnaissance flight with infrared capabilities detected one new fire in Jackson County with minimal heat and firefighters responded. Dubbed the Freezeout Cabin Fire, it is located southwest of Ashland near Dutchman Peak.

The Dog Fork Fire near Dutchman Peak was found yesterday and the remote blaze challenged firefighters. Resources were able to line and mop up 50% of the fire despite a two-hour hike in to the incident.

ODF responded to another lightning-caused fire yesterday in Josephine County near Murphy. The Southside Road Fire was stopped at just 1/100th of an acre.

ODF also responded to two fires that are under investigation. The Rogue River Drive Fire between Eagle Point and Shady Cove was reported last night. When crews arrived on scene, they found the landowner had extinguished it. As crews were building line around it, they spotted a column of smoke not far away and responded to the Greenleaf Fire, catching it at 1/10th of an acre.

While there are no more thunderstorms in the forecast and temperatures are expected to decrease, ODF reminds residents that fire danger remains extreme. As they continue to monitor and respond to lightning-caused fires, residents can help the agency by following all current fire season regulations.