Photo credit: Julian Cordle
EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Containment on the Salt Creek Fire has increased to 7% as firefighters continue to push forward on progress overnight. Mop-up operations on the west side of the fire has allowed for the change, and as these lined areas become more secure, resources that have been dedicated there will be strategically reassigned to other portions of the fire.
An infrared (IR) flight was conducted Tuesday, mapping the fire at 3,651 acres. This indicates slight growth from yesterday when conditions were pushing the fire in three significant areas. Firefighters have focused on building up those portions of line and will continue to bolster them today. With this work, 80% of the fire has line built around it, and as these boundaries are strengthened, containment will continue to increase.
For Wednesday’s day shift, 555 personnel are working on the fire, including twenty 20-person crews, 21 engines, 12 bulldozers, 13 water tenders. A Rogue Valley Task Force made up of local resources is also available if needed.
Temperatures are again expected to be in the triple digits and windy conditions are expected in the afternoon. Increased fire activity is projected during this time and firefighters will be on the lookout for spot fires and areas where fire may cross established lines. Structural firefighters remain dedicated to protecting nearby homes that have been placed in Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation zones by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/
Extreme fire danger is in effect; follow all current fire restrictions to 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.
