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Salt Creek Fire containment increases to 58%

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Containment increased to 58% on the Salt Creek Fire as firefighters continue mop up. The northern portion of the fire has 300 feet of cold black adjacent to the fireline in most areas, and crews are beginning to remove hose and other equipment from the fire while patrolling and monitoring the fire. Firefighters in other areas of the fire continue to locate hot spots and mop up fuels, like burning roots and down material. 

Crews are conducting repair activities, such as minimizing soil erosion and protecting water quality, across the fire area. On steep slopes, water bars will be placed on control lines and roads to divert water to areas with natural vegetation, minimizing soil disturbance. Crews began dispersing berms made from soil displaced from fireline construction. Removing berms allows for natural water drainage.

A red flag warning is in effect today for abundant lightning and isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the region. Dry fuels and strong, erratic winds could cause rapid growth for any new fires. Resources from the Salt Creek Fire are ready to support initial attack for any new starts.

More than 1,000 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 41 20-person crews, 30 engines, 19 water tenders, seven tree fallers and seven dozers. Released resources may return to their home units or reassigned to other incidents across the state.

BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

The current fire danger level is extreme; follow all fire restrictions to help 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.