7/12/2024 Salt Creek Fire Evening Update

 Salt Creek Fire Now 100% Lined, 32% Contained 

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Salt Creek Fire were able to hold all lines today despite hot, windy conditions in the afternoon. The fire is now 100% lined after firefighters worked to contain a small area where the fire crossed over this morning. The acreage remains 3,990 acres since the last full IR flight over the fire. Handheld IR and IR drones will also be used in smaller sections to find areas still holding heat. This data will be used to conduct thorough mop-up operations moving forward. 

Mop up continued across the majority of the fire on Friday, and as a result, it’s now 32% contained. On the north portion of the incident, some areas are mopped up 200-feet into the perimeter. On the northeast side, mop-up operations have reached 100 feet in, and on the southeastern side, firefighters have reached 50 feet in. This area has been a focus for resources the last couple days, as rocky terrain has made progress difficult, however these efforts will continue tonight. On the west side of the fire, mop-up operations have reached 150 feet in. 

Tonight, 420 personnel are assigned to the fire for Friday’s night shift including 14 crews, 18 engines, 10 water tenders and 12 bulldozers. Mop up work will continue overnight as firefighters continue to push toward more containment. This will be the final evening update unless conditions significantly change. 

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.