Update for June 30, 2024: The Upper Applegate Fire, located south of Ruch, is continuing to be held strong by firefighters working the incident. All lines remained intact during yesterday’s windy conditions, which is a testament to the work that has been put in on this fire. Overnight, firefighters continued to mop up, bringing the total percentage to 25%. This is considered good, steady progress, especially with the amount of hazards present, including steep terrain, dead conifer trees and falling rocks that create a dangerous environment to work in. This work will continue during Sunday’s day shift, as well as identifying where suppression repair is needed and what hazards exist near those areas.
Today, 380 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 13 crews, five engines, three bulldozers and eight water tenders. Two Type 2 helicopters remain assigned to the incident, as well as one Type 3 helicopter to provide air attack support. Additional aircraft will be ordered as needed, but it is not expected to be necessary. Weather conditions today will create less challenges for firefighters; predictions call for mid-eighties and winds ranging from one to six miles per hour with gusts up to 12, less than half of what was expected yesterday.
Due to the progress on this fire, a smaller Type 4 incident management team lead by the
BLM will be taking command on Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, the team will shadow the current organization for a full day to ensure a smooth transition, however key personnel, including the incident commander are already plugged in and working with current management.
The BLM has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. A map and additional information is available at
https://www.blm.gov/orwafire. Little Applegate road and Applegate Lake remain open, however firefighters are working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Please be aware and follow all reduced speed road signs in the area. Additionally, fire-related traffic may be impacting the Provolt area; please be aware when driving this stretch of Highway 238.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is canceling all evacuation levels for the Upper Applegate Fire due to successful firefighting efforts over the last few days.
This fire is affecting private, BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported in the late afternoon of Thursday, June 20.
The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is currently moderate (blue) and regulations are in place. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in our communities. Fire season information is also available on our website: www.swofire.com.
