| InciWeb

Rum Creek Fire evening update Wednesday Aug 31

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 08/31/2022 - 12:00

Fire growth continues on the Rum Creek Fire

MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighting resources are surging to new areas to address locations where the fire crossed lines on the eastern edge of the fire. Fire will remain active overnight due to warm temperatures, low humidity and very dry fuels.

“This is rough country,” said Joe Hessel, incident commander for Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1. “Every foot, every chain, every mile of line we complete is a big deal.”

Structural protection continues in residential areas threatened by fire, with firefighters assessing homes, wrapping structures and installing sprinklers, clearing flammable material from roofs and gutters, on and around decks and areas against homes.

The fire has not crossed the Rogue River north of Grave Creek. On the east side of the fire, fire is established in McKnabe Creek.

Crews spent the day reconfiguring containment lines where fire crossed lines near McKnabe Creek, using a combination of direct and indirect attack. Heavy smoke prevented aviation support on the east side of the fire. Skies were clearer on the west side, where multiple retardant drops were made to reinforce containment lines.

To the south and east, residents may see crews building contingency line around Brimstone Road, Quartz Creek and Hog Creek. “If the fire’s going to go that way, we want to be prepared,” said John Flannigan, ODF operations chief.

Incident objectives: Keep the fire south of the Rogue River at Grave Creek; west of Hog Creek and Quartz Creek; north of Galice Road and Bear Camp Road; and east of the Big Windy Fire.

Evacuations: At noon Wednesday, Aug 31, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 – Be Ready notification the area North of Copper Queen Road and 2000 Block of Dog Creek Road. South of Rattlesnake Road, and Tunnel Creek. East of Brimstone Road, Lower Grave Creek Road, and Joe Count West of I-5. All other evacuation orders and notifications remain in place. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).

River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. River status will be updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page and at https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php. Please call 541-474-6535 for more information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.

Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and river permit holders will be allowed through. Road blocks will be located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44'56.2/123 40'35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. National Guard will be staffing the roadblocks.

Rum Creek morning update for Wednesday Aug 31

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 08/31/2022 - 12:00

Fire activity increases on Rum Creek Fire

MERLIN, Ore. – Overnight, the Rum Creek Fire pushed across the line on the east side of the fire near McKnabe Creek, burning several hundred acres. Resources are being shifted to this area to corral the slop-over and establish new control lines. An increase in fire activity is expected through Friday as the weather shifts to a hotter, drier pattern. Inversions are expected to lift earlier in the day, increasing temperatures and winds while reducing relative humidity.

As of early this morning, the fire was already burning actively on the ridges. Firefighters are expecting potential spot fires, and have shifted resources to continue alternate contingency fire lines to the east.

Last night firefighters successfully conducted burnouts on the south edge of the fire near Taylor Creek, eliminating remaining fuels between the control lines and the fire’s edge. Today, they will work to secure the southeast corner of the fire working toward the north. Hose lays and pumps have been set up along many control lines, including those constructed near Stratton Creek.

On the west edge of the fire, burnout operations near Mount Peavine and the 34 road have secured more of the western edge, and crews built line from Taylor Gulch toward Chrome Ridge. Today, fire personnel will tie the line from Chrome Ridge north to Bear Gulch, and are working near Ridge Gulch. North of the Rogue River, the line tying to the Dad Creek Fire scar is expected to be completed today.

Firefighters working with the OSFM are assisting with active fire suppression as needed. They are also extinguishing all remanent heat spots found within 100 feet of buildings, and continuing to assess structures. Also they are making preparations to include clearing brush and installing sprinklers, to further develop structure protection.

More than 500 people attended Tuesday’s community meeting in Grants Pass, plus over 6,200 viewers watched on Facebook live. A recording of the meeting is available at www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.

Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has issued numerous evacuation orders and notifications. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org)

Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and river permit holders will be allowed through. Road blocks will be located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44'56.2/123 40'35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. National Guard will be staffing the roadblocks.

River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. River status will be updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page and at https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.

Closures: The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has a fire closure area that includes the area west of Interstate 5 and north of Taylor Creek Gorge west of Stratton Creek, southwest to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and west to East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is the Rogue River from Grave Creek Boat. The full closure order and a map can be viewed at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/

Rum Creek evening update for Tuesday Aug 30

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 08/31/2022 - 12:00

Firefighters reinforcing control lines on Rum Creek Fire

MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighters are working 24 hours a day to halt the spread of the Rum Creek Fire, taking advantage of cooler, more humid overnight conditions that allow more aggressive suppression tactics. Four additional structural protection strike teams arrived today to assist the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office with structural preparation, triage, situational awareness and tactical patrols. Tonight, crews will coordinate closely with wildland operations and protect homes in Galice and Rand between Peavine and Lower Grave Creek Road. No fire and no spots have crossed the Rogue River to the north below Grave Creek. Today and tonight, firefighters are conducting tactical ignitions along primary line in the Rocky Gulch area from Galice Road to Peavine Mountain. “The night shift will continue tactical ignitions, holding and monitoring throughout the night,” said Tom Hall, Northwest 13 operations trainee. “We’re also strategically placing engines to keep eyes on the entire west zone of the fire.” Aviation resources now include an unmanned aerial system, which can be flown at night. Using infrared technology, a UAS can “see” through smoke to gather real-time information about the active fire perimeter. On the west side of the fire, primary line is complete on the ridge west of Rum Creek between the river and Peavine Mountain. Crews conducted a small tactical burning off the 21-1 Road to meet a slopover at the 34 Road. Contingency line is under construction to the south of Bear Camp Road, using the 011 Road across to Chrome Ridge. Crews are working to link dozer and hand lines south from the Dad Creek Fire burn scar to Lower Grave Creek; and utilizing existing dozer lines to establish a contingency line across the ridge north of Taylor Creek. A spot fire crossed Stratton Creek this morning, but was still inside containment lines. Crews checked it with additional tactical burning. Fire activity picked up around Ash Gulch late in the afternoon, causing some spotting that crews will address tonight, along with tactical burning, brushing, installing hoses and prepping additional lines for burning. Weather: An inversion tonight will create heavy smoke in the Rogue Valley. Conditions will be very hot and dry for the next two days, then moderate later in the week. River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. River status will be updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page and at https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted. Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has issued numerous evacuation orders and notifications. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org) Safety: Please use caution and turn on your headlights when driving in smoky conditions. Watch for slower-moving vehicles and equipment and firefighters on foot in and around the fire zone.

Rum Creek daily update for Tuesday Aug 30

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Tue, 08/30/2022 - 12:00

Rum Creek Fire community meeting tonight

MERLIN, Ore. – A community meeting for the Rum Creek Fire will be held at 6 p.m. today at North Valley High School, 6741 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. It will also be broadcast live at www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.

Firefighters will continue to work on containment lines around the Rum Creek Fire. In the area south of Grave Creek, dozer lines are being constructed along ridgelines, tying to handlines completed yesterday. To the southeast, brush is being cleared along roads and dozer lines are being constructed to hold the fire west of Stratton Creek and north of the Rogue River. To the west, control lines are being constructed between Bear Gulch and Rocky Gulch. Besides the primary lines being constructed near the fire, personnel are working on an alternate line near Hog Creek as a contingency line if the fire crosses Stratton Creek.

Additional personnel are arriving to increase both wildland and structure capacity, including California engines working with OSFM resources on structure protection. OSFM will have five groups patrolling, assessing structures, and expanding structure protection plans for homes east of the fire from Hog Creek County Park north to Grave Creek. National Guard troops have arrived to help with traffic control and security for the fire.

On Monday, heavy smoke retarded fire activity by moderating temperatures and increasing humidity. The fire continued to spread through burning debris rolling downhill and made uphill pushes, gaining 1,924 acres. The southeast edge of the fire near Stratton Creek was most active. Firefighters successfully held the fire to the west side of Stratton Creek. Wildland firefighters made good progress toward establishing fire lines west and northeast of the fire, and near Galice. There were no air operations due to the heavy smoke.

Today, fire personnel will be monitoring the weather closely. If the skies clear, the fire is likely to become more active due to improved air circulation and higher temperatures. Increased fire activity may lead to torching trees, with the potential for fire runs, large column growth, and spot fires up to two miles ahead of the fire. Temperatures are also expected to be higher for the next few days before moderating toward the end of the week.

Evacuations: The only change to evacuation levels is the addition of a small area south of the fire as a Level 1. The updated area is: North of the Rogue River and Gunnell Road. South of Lower River Road and the Rogue River. East of Riverbanks Road and the Rogue River. West of Lower River Road. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at https://tinyurl.com/JOCOEvacMap. 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 to boating from Hog Creek through the Wild section today. A temporary process is in place to allow existing permit holders to access the river when conditions allow. For details, go to https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.

Closures: The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has expanded the fire closure area to include the area west of Interstate 5 and north of Taylor Creek Gorge west of Stratton Creek. southwest to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and west to East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is the Rogue River from Grave Creek Boat. Bear Camp Road is open at this time. The full closure order and a map can be viewed at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/

BLM and Josephine County close recreation sites along Rogue River

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: Closures Sat, 08/27/2022 - 12:00

As a result of the Rum Creek Fire, the Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the Josephine County Sheriff and Josephine County Parks, is closing recreation sites from Hog Creek to Grave Creek. Please see the pdf attached below for more details.

August 29 Evacuation Update

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: Announcement Mon, 08/29/2022 - 12:00

As of 8 a.m. Monday August 29, Josephine County Sheriff's Office has issued updated evacuation orders and notifications. For a list of the updated evacuations, please check the pdf at the bottom of this announcement.

BLM Medford District Emergency Closure

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: Closures Sun, 08/28/2022 - 12:00

Expanded emergency fire closure area issued by the Bureau of Land Management for Rum Creek Fire

August 28, 2022
Medford, Oregon – As a result of continued fire growth, the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has expanded the temporary closure of BLM-managed lands in the vicinity of Rum Creek Fire for public and firefighter safety. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited.

Today’s closure order encompasses all public lands west of Interstate 5 and north of T35S R6W and T35S R7W. The southwest boundary comprises the line between the BLM and Forest Service lands. The western boundary includes lands east of East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is T33S R8W. Bear Camp Road is open at this time.

Please see the map for full closure information on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority. Extreme fire growth and behavior have prompted the expanded closures as fire suppression crews continue to respond. As it becomes safe to do so, firefighters will assess the closure and its impacts in alignment with sound risk management practices.

Weather and fuel conditions remain favorable for continued fire spread. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/. BLM Medford District has additional fire closures and fire restriction information available on BLM.GOV.

Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Oregon/Washington
Medford District Office
Media contact: Jeanne Klein, (541) 499-2862

Rum Creek Fire Community Meeting August 30

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: Announcement Mon, 08/29/2022 - 12:00

Rum Creek Fire Community Meeting

Tuesday, August 30 at 6 p.m.
North Valley High School
6741 Monument Drive, Grants Pass

Facebook Live
www.Facebook.com/RumCreekFire2022

Rum Creek Fire update for Monday Aug 29 2022

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Mon, 08/29/2022 - 12:00

Firefighters building control lines, protecting structures

MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighters are making progress protecting homes and structures, and establishing control lines to contain the Rum Creek Fire’s spread to the west, south and east. Crews are constructing a series of direct and indirect control lines on the west side of the fire. Firefighters are building primary containment line to protect the community of Galice.

To the east and south of the fire footprint, the fire team is using heavy equipment and hand crews building a series of containment lines based on roads and ridges. On the west flank, crews are reopening a containment line down to the river previously used to suppress the Big Windy Fire. Fire continues to flank east and west below Grave Creek.

Crews are using a combination of direct (close to the fire’s edge) and indirect (further from the fire’s edge) to connect a series of control lines between Stratton Creek and Grave Creek Road.

Homeowners on and near Galice Road can expect to see structure fire crews and engines near their homes. Crews are preparing homes in case the fire threatens structures. They are installing sprinkler kits, using hand tools to remove vegetation and other measures to better protect homes and outbuildings.

Additional structural firefighters arrived Sunday, increasing the total number of Office of State Fire Marshal Task Force numbers to 135 firefighters. Additional resources have been activated using the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

The fire has not crossed the Rogue River to the north below Grave Creek. The fire continues to burn to the east and west along the south shore below Grave Creek and to the south and east of the Rogue River.

A shift in weather today will likely cause heavy smoke across Josephine County, which will impact air quality, but also have a slight cooling effect on the fire.

A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Additional details will be posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/ and www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022

Evacuations: Sunday evening, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued additional Level 2 – Be Set and Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notifications in and around Merlin. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at https://tinyurl.com/JOCOEvacMap 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 to boating from Hog Creek through the Wild section today. A temporary process to allow existing permit holders to access the river when conditions allow. For details, go to https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.

Closures: The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has expanded the fire closure area to include the area west of Interstate 5 and north of Taylor Creek Gorge west of Stratton Creek. southwest to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and west to East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is the Rogue River from Grave Creek Boat. Bear Camp Road is open at this time. The full closure order and a map can be viewed at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/

Rum Creek Fire Update for Sunday August 28th 2022

Related Incident: Rum Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Sun, 08/28/2022 - 12:00

Additional agency resources join Rum Creek Fire

MERLIN, Ore. – With the growing complexity of the Rum Creek Fire, Northwest 13 Incident Management Team has been joined by two state agencies to form a unified command of the suppression operation.

The end of the day Saturday, Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Incident Management Blue Team and Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 1 had integrated seamlessly.

“We want to recognize the exceptional mutual aid work provided by Rogue Valley Task Forces and Rural Metro firefighters in and around Rand, Almeda and Galice during the past 24 hours,” said OSFM Chief Deputy Travis Medema.

Under the Emergency Conflagration Act, OSFM brought six task forces and one hand crew to relieve local mutual aid resources. Linn/Benton and Lincoln Task Forces took over structure protection north of Galice and additional swing shift task forces began scouting homes, focusing on fire protection along Galice Road.

The fire has crossed onto ODF-protected private forest lands as well, further increasing the need for additional capacity. “There is nothing easy about fighting fire in this country,” said Joe Hessel, ODF Team 1 Incident Commander. “Things can change very quickly. We are happy to be here to support the community and our fellow firefighters.” With the increase in resources, suppression and protection activity is increasing across all divisions. A second aviation base has been added, enabling more direct air support from the east and west flanks. Construction and reinforcing of primary, alternate and contingency lines is continuing.

The fire has grown to over 8,000 acres due to strong winds and dry fuels. A heat wave moving into the area will make fuels more receptive to fire and increase the chance of column formation. A community meeting is being planned for Tuesday, Aug. 30. Additional details will be released later today.

Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff’s office has issued several evacuation orders and notifications, however, no new evacuations have been ordered since Sunday evening. For the most current information and resources, go to https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM or Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).

River status: The Rogue River is closed to boating from Hog Creek downstream, including Russian Creek and the wild section of the river. Recreational boaters will not be able to put in or take out starting at the Hog Creek Boat Ramp downstream to Grave Creek. Robertson Bridge County Park is the furthest downstream recreational river take-out. At this time, Bear Camp Road remains open.

Closures: Recreation sites along the Rogue River from Hog Creek to Russian Creek are closed. Josephine County Parks that are currently closed include Hog Creek County Park, Indian Mary Park and Campground, Ennis Riffle County Park, and Almeda County Park and Campground. BLM recreation sites that are currently closed include Hog Creek, Hellgate Overlook, Stratton Creek, Rainbow, Carpenter Island, Rocky Bar, Robert Dean, Chair, Rand, Smullin Visitor Center, Argo, and Grave Creek. Additional public lands closures exist around the Rum Creek Fire.

Subscribe to