Officials prioritize firefighter safety as crews battle blazes in steep terrain amid extreme heat
By Steve Mitchell, Ashland.news
Firefighters are making steady progress on the more than 70 lightning-caused wildfires burning in Jackson and Josephine counties, but continue to face the dangerous dry conditions amid an area heatwave.
The Neil Creek Road Fire, the region’s largest, which is burning on approximately 250 acres, is now 20% contained, meaning a protective line is in place with little chance for the fire to move beyond it, according to a Monday, July 14 new release from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Crews also have a protective line established around the entire perimeter of the blaze, which is located south of Ashland and west of Interstate 5.
Natalie Weber, public information officer with ODF, said that Interstate 5 remains partially closed, with southbound lanes shut down between miles 8.5 and 10.5.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management kept evacuation notices in place for zones JAC-542, JAC-543, JAC-546, JAC-558 and JAC-559 at a Level 2 — Get Set level through Monday morning, but at noon downgraded all six zones to Level 1 — Be Ready.
Meantime, Zone JAC-536 remains at a Level 1 — Be Ready, according to the county emergency evacuation map.
A Level 2 Get Set evacuation notice means people “should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, as this level indicates there is significant danger to the area,” according to Jackson County Emergency Management’s website.
Other notable fires in the area include:
The Deming Gulch Fire
Northeast of Buncom in the Applegate, the fire is estimated to be burning on more than 250 acres. Crews have contained 70% of the blaze and have a protective line around the entire perimeter of the fire and are extinguishing hot spots
The Heppsie Mountain Fire
Located south of Highway 140, the blaze is about 100 acres and 65% contained, with a protective line around the fire’s perimeter.
The Poole Hill Fire
Located south of the Heppsie Mountain Fire, the blaze continues to burn on 12 acres and is 70% contained.
The Jim Me Peak Fire
Located in a remote area south of Applegate, the fire is more 140 acres and is 20% contained.
The Palmer Peak Fire
Located southeast of the Jim Me Peak Fire, the blaze is more than 75 acres and 20% contained.
Hot weather continues
With the National Weather Service forecasting more extreme heat through Tuesday, July 15, Weber said fire officials are prioritizing safety for the more than 1,500 firefighters battling the blazes in the region. This means ensuring crews are staying hydrated and taking breaks as firefighters remove potentially hazardous dead trees and navigate steep, treacherous terrain.
The weather service is forecasting hot temperatures through the middle of the week, according to the bulletin.
Meantime, Weber said fire officials are emphasizing that fire prevention and vigilance are crucial as crews work to put out the fires. She said that on hot, dry days, small. simple activities such as mowing near dry vegetation can start a fire.
“With hot, windy conditions and dry vegetation, all it takes is a small spark to start a wildfire,” she said.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION:
Jackson County Emergency Management: Facebook page with updates
ODF Southwest Oregon District: Facebook page with updates
Genasys Protect: Updated evacuation maps
Tripcheck.com: Information about road closures
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at stevem@ashland.news.
1:37 p.m. July 14: Evacuation zone level status updated.
