Firefighters worked overnight on numerous small fires along the lower Rogue River in Josephine County, making good progress on most incidents and extinguishing others completely. Following thunderstorms earlier this week, 10 fires were reported on the steep terrain northwest of Rand and Galice. Resources from ODF, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest immediately responded. As a result, all fires have been caught or are being held at an acre or less and only three remain active with firefighters engaged. Today, resources include numerous crews, engines and six helicopters of various sizes.
As of this morning, the active fires are as follows:
• Horseshoe Bend Fire, the original fire is holding at an estimated quarter-acre and a second fire roughly the same size has been found nearby. Overnight, Rogue-Siskiyou Rappellers were dropped near the second fire and are now working on mop-up. Both fires are located north of Horseshoe Bend Campground, north of the Rogue River on steep ground with no road access for miles. The U.S. Forest Service Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest and ODF are encouraging people to avoid camping at all Horseshoe Bend campsites while fire operations use the river for helicopter-bucket dipping and working in the area.
• Big Windy Creek, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Now 100% lined. Located on steep, remote ground just north of the East Fork Big Windy Fire. Today, an engine is assigned to this fire to continue mopping up.
• Trout Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Now 100% lined, resources working on mopping up. Located north of Trout Creek and south of the Rogue River, southwest of the Zane Grey Cabin. This fire is a two-mile hike from the nearest road and firefighters had to cut a significant amount of dead trees to clear a path to the incident. One tree is remaining within the perimeter of the fire and firefighters will focus on this today, as it has a high potential of reigniting if not properly extinguished.
The following fires are extinguished:
• Crooks Creek Fire, caught at one acre. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up. Located in the hills above Crooks Creek Road, north of Dryden and east of Selma.
• Hewett Creek Fire, estimated to be just under a quarter-acre. 100% lined and mopped up overnight. Located south of BLM road 32-10-36.
• Howard Creek Fire, extinguished by aircraft at an estimated 1/100 of an acre. Located northwest of Rand and south of the Rogue River. Firefighters continue to monitor this area.
• East Fork Big Windy Fire, extinguished at 1/100 of an acre. Located east of East Fork Big Windy Creek and south of the Rogue River on steep, remote county with limited access.
• Missouri Creek Fire, estimated to be half an acre. Now 100% lined and mopped up overnight. Located north of Bear Camp Road and south of the Zane Grey Cabin.
• Montgomery Creek Fire, caught and extinguished at 1/100 of an acre. Located southwest of Rainie Falls and south of the Rogue River. Currently 100% lined and 100% mopped up.
• Long Gulch Fire, estimated to be a quarter-acre. Located southwest of the Trout Creek Fire. This fire is 100% lined and 100% mopped up. Resources will continue until the fire is completely extinguished.
This will be the final update for these fires unless conditions significantly change. Chances for thunderstorms are once again predicted for this weekend. While these fires cannot be prevented, many can. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of human-caused fires in our communities. Additional information is available here:
• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices and website homepage https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire