Woodrat Mountain Fire 100% Lined, Extensive Work Continues
Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire, completing fireline around 100% of the perimeter despite poor relative humidity. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Dozers constructed much of the line, while hand crews worked through areas of steep terrain and dense timber. The fire is estimated at about 311.6 acres per the Watch Duty app, and is 60% hose lined. Firefighters are focusing on improving existing lines, extending hose, and identifying remaining heat, with a strong aviation response planned. Air tankers will be available for retardant drops alongside the Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopter bucket drops. Although the entire perimeter is lined, crews face another day of critical weather. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation order for Zones JAC-428-A and JAC-436, a Level 2: BE SET for Zone JAC-428-B, and a Level 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zones JAC-421, JAC-422, JAC-423, JAC-427, JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-438.
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Updates Public on Search for Missing Man
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update after receiving a report of missing adult, David Wright back on July 26th. The initial investigation indicates that David left on his own accord on July 21st between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on a white bicycle, leaving his cell phone and personal financial documents on the desk in his office. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation July 27th and located camera footage of David at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:25 a.m. on the bicycle, where he purchased a bottle of water. Five minutes later, additional footage was observed of Wright riding his bicycle outbound on Highway 238 towards Hidden Valley Market. This was the last time Wright was seen in the area. Detectives have continued searching daily since his disappearance. Cameras and roadways in all the surrounding areas, including Provolt, Williams, and Wilderville have been searched.
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Eight Arrested for 71 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested eight suspects Wednesday on a total of 71 encouraging child sex abuse felony charges. The first arrest was around 6:30 a.m. when deputies pulled over a suspect near his residence in the 1500 block of Clear Springs Drive in Medford. Eric Richard Rand, 58, of Medford, was arrested. The task force then located and arrested Charles Harvey McMillan, 33, of Talent at 6:40 a.m. Just before 8 a.m., Medford Police located the next suspect sleeping in his car at Holmes Park. Jermaine “JJ” Owens, 53, of Medford, was then arrested for his charges. Around 8:04 a.m., Joel Vincente Leal, 21, was arrested for his charges at his apartment in the 1000 block of Spring Street in Medford. Minutes later, investigators located and arrested Robert Paul Phillips, 74, at his residence in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.
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