Single Publication

 Windy conditions push Rum Creek Fire southward 

MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighters worked through the night to protect the area between Rand and Galice, and aerial reconnaissance this morning confirmed no structures or homes have been lost in those communities.  

Additional resources are being ordered, including leadership and operations of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1 as the fire shifts to a unified command with the additional ODF-protected lands. An Oregon State Fire Marshal’s team is also being integrated to assist in management of structural fire protection.
 

Late Friday afternoon, strong valley winds and hot temperatures fanned the fire near Grave Creek, increasing fire activity and throwing sparks out of the established perimeter to both sides of the river, which created spot fires that began making fast uphill runs. The increased intensity of the fire formed a pyrocumulus smoke column, which then collapsed, pushing the fire to the south and east. 

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped reduce fire intensity overnight, allowing ground resources to conduct a variety of tactical suppression operations to protect Rand and Galice. Protecting homes remains a top priority for firefighters, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office is mobilizing a team to assist in structure protection.  

Aerial and ground resources will continue to build and reinforce direct and indirect lines and engage in initial attack on spot fires, which have been observed up to two miles away from the fire footprint.  

Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff’s office has issued a Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation from North of Belknap Gulch, Little Stratton Creek. South of Angora Road, Lower Grave Creek Road. East of the Rogue River. West of Tom East Creek, Hog Creek Road, Hog Creek; and South and West of the Rogue River and North of Bear Camp Road; includes Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road. 

A Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate is in place from North of Galice Road and the Rogue River, South of Lower Grave Creek Road, East of the Rogue River and Taylor Creek, West of Hog Creek Road. 

A Level 1 - BE READY notice has been issued for North and West of Brimstone, South of Lower Grave Creek Road, East of Lower Grave Creek Road and Angora Road and South and West of the Rogue River and North of Bear Camp Road; includes Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road. 

For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM or Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org) 

River status: The Rogue River is closed temporarily to boating from Hog Creek through the Wild section to allow for firefighter resources to operate freely. Rangers are stationed at Hog Creek Boat Launch to prevent boaters from putting in and on the ramp to direct boaters off the water. 

Closures: Medford Bureau of Land Management will be issuing an updated closure order later today, which will be posted at  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/ and www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022. 

Safety: Please do not use the Galice Road south of Racetrack unless absolutely necessary to allow free movement of fire and emergency resources.