UPDATE: Lightning-sparked fires in Jackson, Josephine counties fully lined
Published 2:45 am Monday, July 22, 2024
- ODF Sexton Fire (July 21).jpeg
Fire crews have fully lined and begun mopping up the lightning-sparked wildfires that erupted in Jackson and Josephine counties between Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to an update the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District posted to Facebook Sunday evening.
The fire that posed the most difficulties — the Sugarpine Gulch Fire that burned northwest of Rogue River in Jackson County — surpassed 7 acres and was “the last to be 100% lined due to steep terrain and windy conditions.”
“Numerous aircraft worked this incident all day, including one Type 3, two Type 2 and two Type 1 helicopters; some aircraft remain available and on standby but have not recently been needed,” the update said. “Engines, a bulldozer, crews, tree fallers and firefighters remain engaged on the ground and will continue to strengthen the line overnight and push forward on mop-up operations.”
As of Sunday evening, mop-up stood at about 10%, the update said.
Meanwhile, the Eastside Road Fire, burning west of Buncom along Upper Applegate Road in Jackson County, remained at about 2 acres, and mop-up stood at about 20%, the update said.
Also in Jackson County, crews have started mopping up the Canyon Creek Fire burning northwest of Trail, west of Highway 227. The fire was stopped shortly after it reached 6 acres, the update said.
In Josephine County, crews have started mopping up the Old Baldy Fire, which burned on a ridgecrest between Grants Pass and Wimer and hit about 1.5 acres.
And that county’s so-called Sexton Fire, which was reported between Sunny Valley and Hugo, east of Interstate 5, was “not found by firefighters after a thorough search,” the update said.
Additional fires have not been discovered after a second recon mission, the update said. “Detection camera operators will continue to search lightning strike areas for any smoke or fires. Firefighters remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across the district,” the agency said.
Both Jackson and Josephine counties are at “extreme” (red) fire danger level. On Friday, Industrial Fire Precaution Level III (IFPL 3) took effect in the two counties.
ODF has directed people to the agency website, www.swofire.com, for information about restrictions in place during fire season.
“Help firefighters by following all current regulations to prevent human-caused fires,” an earlier release said.