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. 

Perimeter lines holding on Rum Creek Fire

 
MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighters continue to hold on the Rogue River north perimeter control feature, and are working to minimize the size of the fire footprint.
 
Since Northwest Incident Management Team 13 assumed command Sunday, helicopters have dropped more than a half‐million gallons of water on the Rum Creek Fire. Fixed‐wing aircraft have dropped a quarter‐million gallons of retardant. An additional helibase is being established north of the current footprint to provide additional support.

 “This is a full suppression fire in rugged country with heavy fuels,” said Eric Riener, incident commander trainee for NW13. “Our strategic plan is being implemented to continue full suppression strategies.”

Last night, crews extended operations to contain three spot fires on the south side of the incident west of Galice Road. Suppressing and containing spot fires continue today.
 
Continued aviation support combined with cooler weather and higher overnight humidity the next few days will allow ground resources to utilize more direct strategies on the Rum Creek Fire, including firing operations alongprimary containment lines to reduce the threat of the fire crossing the river to the north or east.
 
Crews are working steadily on the north side of the river to reduce fuels that could catch fire if winds carry sparks or embers across the river. Chipping operations have begun to remove larger branches and brush cleared fromroadways and firelines.

Firefighters’ primary objectives are to prevent the fire from crossing the river and keep the perimeter as small as possible between the Big Windy burn scar to the west, the Rogue River to the north, and Galice Road to the east. Primary line is complete in many areas and alternate lines are now being constructed.
 
Galice Road between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek is closed to non‐essential traffic. The full closure order and a map can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public‐safety‐and‐fire/fire‐and‐aviation/regionalinfo/oregon‐washington/fire‐restrictions

Weather: Temperatures will begin dropping today, with lows in the 70s expected Saturday.

River status: The river will remain open unless life safety becomes an issue and the open/closed status will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022 no later than 6 a.m. daily.

Closures: Medford BLM lands on both sides of the river between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek are closed. The only access to Grave Creek Boat Ramp and those accessing Grave Creek from Wolf Creek.

Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 ‐ BE READY evacuation notice for the areas south and west of the Rogue River and north of Bear Camp Road, including Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road. Level 1 ‐ BEREADY means be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. For more information, visit: https://www.rvem.org/Incident‐INFO/Josephine‐County

Rum Creek Fire closure area expanded 

Galice Road closed from Almeda County Park to Grave Creek 

MERLIN, Ore. – Due to increased fire activity, officials have closed the Galice Road and surrounding public lands on both sides of the river between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek for public and firefighter safety. 

Josephine County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 - BE READY evacuation notice for the areas south and west of the Rogue River and north of Bear Camp Road, including Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road. 

A structure protection division is working to reduce fuels around homes in the area in case blowing sparks or embers start new fires near residential areas.  

Tuesday, crews structure-wrapped the historic Whiskey Creek Cabin with an aluminum fire blanket material designed to protect structures from sparks or embers and withstand intense heat. 

EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF PUBLIC LANDS
 
 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, Oregon.
 
 ACTION: Temporary Closure of Public Lands
 
 SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 CFR 9268.3(d) and 43 CFR 8364.1, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that effective immediately, the public lands described below are closed to all forms of public access. This action is in response to the Rum Creek Fire that is currently active in the area. The BLM is closing public lands in order to reduce conflicts with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression, as well as to ensure public safety.AFFECTED AREA: Please see attached map. All BLM-managed public lands, roads, sites, and trails in Josephine County west of the Rogue River from Almeda to Grave Creek, then north to the junction of BLM Road 33-8-13 and 33-8-13.1 West and north to the junction of 33-8-26.0 and the 19.3 Road and south to 34-9-27.1, East to 35-9-1.2 then east to junction of Peavine Road and North Fork Galice Creek Road. BLM lands to the west of Galice Road from Galice to Almeda.

The following BLM administered Lands are affect by this closure:T33S R7WSec: 31, 32T33S R8WSec: 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36T33S R9WSec: 13, 24, 25, 26, 36, 35T34S R9WSec:1, 12, 13, 23, 24T34S R8WSec: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36

Roads: Galice Road (BLM Road 34-8-13) from Almeda County Park to Grave CreekPeavine Road, beginning at its intersection with North Fork Galice Road (34-8-36)

Recreation Site: Argo Boat Landing

DATES: This closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the public lands.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanne Klein, Public Information Officer, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford OR 97504, telephone (541) 499-2862. This notice is also available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

DISCUSSION OF THE RULES: The public must not enter the closure area. All uses within the closure area are prohibited. Exceptions to these prohibitions are noted below under Exemptions. Incidents of extreme fire behavior and extreme fire danger have been observed throughout the District. You must not enter closed areas. This restriction will be rescinded once fire conditions improve and public and firefighter safety can be ensured.

EXEMPTIONS: The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this Order:1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized medical, rescue or firefighting force engaged in fire, emergency, or law enforcement activities, or public utility employees engaged in emergency repairs;2. BLM employees, contractors, or agents engaged in official duties;3. Individuals operating within the scope of their official and legitimate governmental duties;4. Individuals with valid existing rights for access (e.g., Reciprocal and Unilateral Right of Way agreement holders, permit holders, permittees or lease holders, or internal landowners); and5. Parties who carry written approval by the BLM Authorized Officer (Field Manager or District Manager) allowing access to the described public lands.

PENALTIES: Any person who violates this may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both. Vehicles found in violation of this order may be removed.

EFFECTIVE: This Order is effective immediately upon signature.

Maps located here: Fire First Response Map (arcgis.com)

This is a wildfire alert from Josephine County Sheriff. Level 1 - BE READY for the following areas: North of the Rogue River, South of Sawmill Gap Area, West of Rock Creek Road, and East of Russian Creek.

Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de Josephine County Sheriff. Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para las siguientes zonas: North of the Rogue River, South of Sawmill Gap Area, West of Rock Creek Road, and East of Russian Creek.

 Level 1 - BE READY means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. For more information, visit: https://www.rvem.org/Incident-INFO/Josephine-County

Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit RVEM.org Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early. Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com. If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Title:Wildfire Alert from Josephine County Sheriff: Level 1 - BE READY Rum Creek Fire

This is a wildfire alert from Josephine County Sheriff. Level 1 - BE READY for the following areas: South and West of the Rogue River and North of Bear Camp Road; includes Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road.

Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de Josephine County Sheriff. Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para las siguientes zonas: South and West of the Rogue River and North of Bear Camp Road; includes Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road..

 Level 1 - BE READY means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. For more information, visit: https://www.rvem.org/Incident-INFO/Josephine-County

Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit RVEM.org. Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early. Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com. If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Rum Creek Fire reaches the lower Rogue River 

River open to permit holders today 

RESCISSION OF EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF ROGUE RIVER
 
Rum Creek Fire Area
 
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, Oregon.
 
ACTION: Rescission of temporary closure of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Russian Creek in the Grants Pass Field Office, Medford District.

SUMMARY: This notice rescinds the emergency closure of the BLM-managed river section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Russian Creek issued on August 22, 2022.

As Field Manager I have determined in consultation with appropriate agencies that resource conditions have changed and the closure is no longer needed.

The public is cautioned that although boaters may float through this section of river, the Rum Creek Fire is still active and they enter at their own risk. The public should use appropriate judgment and move through the area promptly.

The Rum Creek Fire is still actively burning downhill in steep terrain. Conditions in burned areas will remain potentially hazardous for the foreseeable future. Hazardous conditions include fire weakened trees and limbs that may fall, loose rock, ash and dust that may be toxic or carcinogenic, and soils with reduced stability. Burned areas may also be more fragile and susceptible to damage from use. The public is urged to avoid burned areas, and to use extreme caution if they do enter these areas. The public is also reminded that all laws protecting public lands and resources from damage or unauthorized use remain in place; violators can be prosecuted, and convictions can lead to fines or imprisonment.

This rescission does not change the status of any other BLM closure or fire restriction orders.

AFFECTED AREA: The BLM-managed river section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Russian Creek. The following BLM administered Lands are affect by this closure:T34S R07W Section 1 T34S R07W Section 2 T34S R07W Section 5T33S R07W Section 32T33S R07W Section 33T33S R07W Section 34T33S R07W Section 35

EFFECTIVE DATE: This change will take effect at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Rum Creek Fire moving toward the lower Rogue River GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A virtual community briefing regarding the Rum Creek Fire suppression operation will be posted to the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022) at 6 p.m. this evening.
The meeting will be pre-recorded, but questions in the comments will be answered in real time. 
“We saw significant movement today progressing downslope to the north toward the Rogue River,” said Eric Riener, Incident Commander trainee with Northwest 13 Incident Management Team. “We could potentially see impacts to the shores of the river today, and definitely Wednesday.”
For public and firefighter safety, at the recommendation of Northwest 13 Incident Management Team, the BLM Medford District is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice. 
This closure order impacts the permitted section of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Boaters will not be able to launch or travel downstream from Grave Creek until the closure is lifted. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, boating, hunting, and camping—are prohibited.
The BLM and Pacific Northwest Team 13 will conduct daily assessments to re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so.
Although winds are generally from the north and northwest, team fire behavior analyst Dean Warner said they tend to be deflected by the south canyon wall back toward the river, potentially carrying sparks or embers as well.
Ground crews made good progress Monday establishing primary containment lines to the west of the fire. Hand and dozer lines were completed along the southeast flank and crews will begin plumbing today. Plumbing is the installation of a system of water tanks, engines, pumps and hoses used to extinguish embers and hot material just like a campfire.
Weather: Temperatures will rise into the 90s today, with good overnight humidity recovery, and will continue to climb Wednesday as the current weather trough moves out of the area. Smoke will be heavier in the canyon, which will help keep temperatures down. 
Safety: Watch for increased fire traffic, including slower moving equipment, throughout the area as additional resources report to the incident. Traffic will be heavier than normal around Merlin and Rand when firefighters head out to the line in the morning and return to camp at the end of the day.
Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in place across the BLM Medford District. Campfires and all other types of open fires, including charcoal briquettes, are prohibited; motor vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) and parking are restricted to developed roads and areas clear of vegetation. 
For a complete list of restrictions, go to  https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Media contact: Kyle Sullivan  (541) 618-2340 
 
Rogue River and Rogue River Trail Closed Due to Rum Creek Fire 
 
Medford, Oregon – As a result of the Rum Creek Fire, the BLM is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice. This order is for the safety of the public and firefighter personnel and covers all BLM-managed public lands 1/2 mile north and south of the Rogue River. 
 
Boaters will not be permitted to float between Grave Creek and Russian Creek until the closure is lifted. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, boating, hunting and camping—are prohibited. Pacific Northwest Team 13 is currently engaged on the fire.  
 
“The BLM doesn’t take river closures lightly and we tried to keep the river open as long as possible,” said Bill Dean, Grants Pass Field Manager. “We apologize for the impacts to the rafting community and will re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so. We commit to honor permits at a later date.”  
 
Overnight, the fire burned rapidly, which caused increase spotting and the fire progressed closer to the river. This afternoon, winds picked up and increased fire activity. The BLM and Pacific Northwest Team 13 will conduct daily assessments in an effort to re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so.
 
Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website:  https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions   
 
For additional information about the Rum Creek Fire, please visit https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022; or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/ To be added to the daily email list, please email 2022.rumcreek@firenet.gov 
 
For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/. 
 
Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires. 
 
A list of personal use restrictions, as well as closure orders, are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon. 
 
-BLM- 
 
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals. 

EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF PUBLIC LANDS

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, Oregon.
ACTION: Temporary Closure of Public Lands
SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 CFR 9268.3(d) and 43 CFR 8364.1, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that effective immediately, the public lands described below are closed to all forms of public access. This action is in response to large fires currently active in the area. The BLM is closing public lands in order to reduce conflicts with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and burned area site recovery, as well as to ensure public safety, land health, and resource integrity.
AFFECTED AREA: All BLM-managed public lands, south of the Rainie Falls Trail. The following BLM administered Lands are affect by this closure:
T34S R08WNorther portion of section 1 and 2 Please see attached map.DATES: This closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the public lands.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyle Sullivan, Public Affairs Specialist, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford OR 97504, telephone (818) 975-0419. This notice and the closure notice is also available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon- washington/fire-restrictions.
DISCUSSION OF THE RULES: The public must not enter the closure area. All uses within the closure area are prohibited. Exceptions to these prohibitions are noted below under Exemptions. Incidents of extreme fire behavior and extreme fire danger have been observed throughout the District. You must not enter closed recreation sites. Recovery of these areas is expected to continue into next year, 2021.
EXEMPTIONS: The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this Order:1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized medical, rescue or firefighting force engaged in fire, emergency, or law enforcement activities, or public utility employees engaged in emergency repairs;2. BLM employees, contractors, or agents engaged in official duties;3. Individuals operating within the scope of their official and legitimate governmental duties;4. Individuals with valid existing rights for access (e.g., Reciprocal and Unilateral Right of Way agreement holders, permittees or lease holders, or internal landowners); and5. Parties who carry written approval by the BLM Authorized Officer (Field Manager or District Manager) allowing access to the described public lands.
 PENALTIES: Any person who violates this may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both. Vehicles found in violation of this order may be removed.
EFFECTIVE: This Order is effective immediately upon signature.