7/19/2018 ODF Southwest Fire Update

ODF SOUTHWEST FIRE UPDATE

Date: 7/19/2018 Time: 7:00 p.m.

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

5286 Table Rock Road Central Point, OR 97502

Contact: Melissa Cano, Information Officer

melissa.r.cano@oregon.gov

CURRENT SITUATION

Situation Summary:       

Garner Complex Fire Information in Josephine/Josephine County will be released separately by the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2. The fires within the complex include: Spencer Creek, Grave Creek, and Pleasant Creek Fires. The updates will still be shared on our @ODFSouthwest Facebook page and www.swofire.com.

Wagner Creek Complex in Jackson County

Total Complex Size: 250 Total Complex Containment: 50%

Green Top Mountain: 5 miles northeast of Eagle Point. Mapped at 121 acres. Containment has now reached 70%. Handheld infrared cameras will be used on the interior of the fire tonight to identify hot spots that may not be easy to locate with the human eye, or that may be feet-deep under the mineral soil. This will allow crews to thoroughly eliminate any chance of interior smoldering to occur moving forward. No structures are threatened. This will be the final update for this fire, unless conditions change.

Sterling Creek: 7 miles south of Jacksonville. The 32 acre fire is now 70% contained. Mop up operations will continue until we reach 100% containment. No structures threatened. This will be the final update for this fire, unless conditions change.

Trail Creek & Elk Creek Drainage: The last of the dozen challenging fires burning in the Trail and Elk Creek drainages, Cleveland Ridge #3, is being wrapped up today. Starting tomorrow, we will be cold checking all of the fires. The largest of the series, 5.5 miles north to northwest of Shady Cove, remains the 13-acre West Fork Trail Fire. All others are an acre or less in size. The entire series of fires is approximately 70% contained. No structures threatened. This will be the final update for this fire, unless conditions change.

Railroad Gap: Mutual aid to Umpqua National Forest. While firefighters were able to wrap a hand line around the fire last night, mop up operations are just beginning. Heavy timber and steep slopes will make for a slow and steady mop up to reach full containment. The fire is 33 acres, and 5% contained. Smoke will be present while we knock down the interior heat. No structures are threatened.

Fires in Josephine County:

Taylor Creek: 7 miles west of Merlin. Wind gusts, warm conditions, and steep slopes have been challenging firefighters on the line. Several hand crews, dozers, engines, and aerial resources have been attacking this fire all day. The fire is now estimated to have grown to be 338 acres, with a partial control line constructed. Overnight, firefighters will continue to build and strengthen additional fire line. Evacuations remain in place (see below.)

EVACUATIONS

Taylor Creek:

The following residences and businesses are being placed on a LEVEL 2 “Be SET” Evacuation Notice: Pickett Creek Road, West Pickett Creek Road, Green Tree Loop, Bickford Drive, Sanders Creek, Paradise Garden Road, Sallsten Road, Hussey Lane, Steelhead Lane, Cliffside Drive, and Bartlett Lane.

In addition, a LEVEL 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice is also being issued to the residents of Shan Creek Road.

To learn more about wildfire preparedness & fire restrictions please visit: www.swofire.com