7/11/2024 Salt Creek Fire Update

Overnight, firefighters on the Salt Creek Fire continued to work on securing existing firelines through mop-up activities on the north and northwestern side of the fire. Snagging operations in this area are a priority to reduce overhead hazards as crews work to locate areas of heat or burning material and mop up within 100 feet of the fire perimeter.

 

Strategic firing operations continued in the southeastern corner of the fire to connect the fire edge to the established indirect fireline. Firefighters plan to continue this operation this morning if conditions allow. The objective is to eliminate unburned vegetation and material between the indirect fireline and the existing fire edge with low intensity fire in this steep terrain, creating a more secure line. 

 

Wednesday afternoon, a small spot fire outside the fireline in the southwest portion of the fire was quickly corralled by firefighters. Overnight, the area was fully lined and mopped up.

 

Today, nearly 700 firefighters are assigned to the fire, including 26 20-person crews, 19 engines, nine bulldozers and 11 water tenders. The focus for operations today is to hold the fire within the existing perimeter. While temperatures have moderated slightly, increased wind and extremely dry fuel conditions are a concern for firefighters as they work to increase the area of cold black adjacent to the fireline. 

 

BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

 

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

 

The current fire danger level is extreme; follow all fire restrictions to help prevent fires. Learn more at:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/

• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: www.blm.gov/orwafire

 

The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation.