Firefighters were finally able to safely walk the perimeter of the
Cleveland Ridge Fire last night allowing for a more accurate mapping of
the fire. Until firefighters deem the perimeter safe, sizing estimates
are made by aerial support. Crews used handheld GPS units to walk along
the fire, now estimating it at 530 acres. Fire crews also strengthened
fire line overnight, with some areas reaching 25 to 30 feet wide in order to prevent spot fires today.
The fire burning on private and Bureau of Land Management forestlands
north/northwest of Shady Cove has a fire line completed around 100
percent of the fire and is 35 percent contained as of this morning.
The fire was reported at 4:01 p.m. Monday and started near the West Fork
of Trail Creek Rd. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Air and ground support will work today to knock down the fire, continue
strengthening control lines and work on mopping up hot spots along the
perimeter. There will be a focus on the north side of the fire where the
Cleveland Ridge Fire is most actively burning.
Weather conditions today could pose a challenge for firefighters.
Temperatures are expected to range from 95-98 degrees, relative humidity
between 10-12 percent, morning east/northeast winds at 3 mph with
potential gusts up to 8 mph, and evening north/northwest winds at 3-5
mph with gusts up 8 mph. The fire is burning in grass, brush and
mixed-age conifer forest. The topography ranges from moderate to very
steep. Road access is good to the east and west flanks of the fire, and
has increasingly improved on the north side.
The Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notice will remain in effect for
residents on Taylor Rd. and the West Fork of Trail Creek Rd., as well as
residents along Hwy. 227 from the junction with the West Fork of Trail
Creek Rd. to address 6481 Hwy. 227. Firefighters will continue to
monitor all structures surrounding the flanks of the fire throughout the
day.
Sections of West Fork Trail Creek Road remain closed today. While all
other roads are currently open, we ask that people are cautious while
traveling through areas with high fire traffic.
As a reminder, TouVelle State Park in Central Point is closed to the
public. The park is being used as the site for the Cleveland Ridge Fire
fire camp. Please avoid the area in order to allow fire traffic the
accessibility they need to the entrance/exit points.
Fire management officials ask that the public continue to use caution
and adhere to regulations. Current fire restrictions for lands in
Jackson and Josephine Counties protected by the Oregon Department of
Forestry Southwest Oregon District can be found on the district’s
Facebook page ODF Southwest Oregon District and the website www.swofire.com.
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