Please be aware visible flames and smokes will persist within the fire perimeter until a season ending rain or snow event. Only call 911 if flames are actively spreading or if life or property are threatened. Please provide a specific address or location for firefighters to respond.

South Obenchain Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

September 18, 2020 – 9:00 PM

The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies.  To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness.  This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.  Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.

EXTREME fire danger still exists in the Rogue Valley. All fuels from grass to large downed trees are at critical dry levels. An innocent spark could escalate out of control. There is no season ending event in the forecast.

Current situation:   The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has lowered all level 3 evacuation areas outside of the fire perimeter to a level 2 for residents only. The staffed road guards will require proof of residency for entrance. A permit is issued by the road guards and required for entry. Residents should be aware that firefighting personnel and equipment will still be working in the area. Please drive with caution.    

The cold front pushed smoke out of the area, providing increased visibility allowing air attack to support the fire. Firefighters continue mopping up, reinforcing solid black line and completing additional containment line.    Fire suppression repair work continues today on dozer lines within the cool fire area. Conditions are very favorable in all divisions to continue mop up and rehab.  Anticipated light rain did not reach the fire.

The Oregon Department of Forestry provided an unmanned aircraft (drone) with infrared capabilities. The drone will again fly on the west perimeter tonight on the fire locating heat. A map with those locations will be provided to firefighters to find and mop up the hotspots.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response team has trauma trained chaplains who are trained to provide emotional and spiritual care for the community and first responders. For assistance call 423-470-2200 or email www.billygraham.org/rrt   The team is located at the New Life Church Nazarene in Central Point, Oregon.

Acreage: 32,833

Containment: 45%

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Information: (541) 776-7338

E-mail:  SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com

Wildfire Information Center:  https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185

Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in place to protect the public and the firefighters that are working to control the fire.  Please adhere to the evacuation level issued for your area.  Please view the Jackson County Emergency Management web page for the most current map.

~ ~ ~ more ~ ~ ~

South Obenchain Fire

https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/jackson-county-evacuations-north-county-update-obenchain-fire-1

Jackson County Sheriff Department

https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff

Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers. 

Weather:  Cooler and day overnight. Temperatures 65-72 degrees in the valleys and 60-65 in higher elevations. Relative humidity of 50-60% and winds will be SW 6-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph on the ridges.

Resources-934:  1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 28-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 3-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 45-engines, 19-dozers, 28-water tenders and 6-skidgens.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area.  Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.  If you fly, we can’t.  The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.

Donations:  People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/

Closure: The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands in and near the South Obenchain Fire to all forms of public access. In addition, the Medford District has temporarily closed all Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in and near Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, as well as south of Grants Pass, Interstate 5, and U.S. Route 199 to the border of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  

To View Closure Order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions or call 541-618-2340 for more information about the closure.

MEDFORD, ORE - Southwest Oregon is currently experiencing high fire danger along with large fires and a high number of displaced residents. To address the information needs of the community, the Bureau of Land Management Medford District, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry have activated a Wildfire Information Center.  The center’s mission is to answer questions and provide information about fire conditions, public lands closures and public use fire restrictions. 

South Obenchain Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

September 18, 2020 – 9:00 AM

The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies.  To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness.  This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.  Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.

Current situation:  Cooler weather is moderating fire behavior and has allowed for firefighters to make good progress on mop up in the fire area. The evacuation level lowered from a level 3 to a level 2 in the Indian Creek area for residents that live outside of the fire perimeter.  Residents should be aware that firefighting personnel and equipment will still be working in the area. Please drive with caution. 

A cold front coming in from the west will bring cloud cover, with a chance of showers this morning becoming isolated in the afternoon. As smoke is pushed out of the area, visibility is expected to increase. Today firefighters continue mopping up, reinforcing solid black line and completing additional containment line.   Crews remain vigilant watching for flare ups inside and outside the line. With increased visibility, air attack will be active on the fire.  Fire suppression repair work continues today on dozer lines within the cool fire area. Cooler temperatures, with excellent daytime humidity, combined with mild wind conditions is conducive for low fire behavior. Conditions are very favorable in all divisions to continue mop up and rehab. The light rain will be welcome helping fire suppression efforts, but this is not a season ending event and the risk of extreme fire continues.

Jackson County Road Department crews continue to mitigate hazards along the Butte Falls Highway. Power has been restored to the town of Butte Falls. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry provided an unmanned aircraft (drone) with infrared capabilities. The drone will again fly again tonight on the fire locating heat. A map with those locations will be provided to firefighters to find and mop up the hotspots.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team is in the area completing their final structural damage assessments to private property.

Acreage: 32,833

Containment: 35%

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Information: (541) 776-7338

E-mail:  SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com

Wildfire Information Center:  https://southwestoregonwildfireinformation.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185

Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

~ ~ ~ more ~ ~ ~

Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in place to protect the public and the firefighters that are working to control the fire.  Please adhere to the evacuation level issued for your area.  Please view the Jackson County Emergency Management web page for the most current map.

South Obenchain Fire

https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/jackson-county-evacuations-north-county-update-obenchain-fire-1

Almeda Fire

https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/almeda-fire-evacuation-zones-downgraded-1

Jackson County Sheriff Department

https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff

Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers. 

Weather:  Cooler temperatures with 60% chance of showers this morning, becoming isolated in the afternoon. Higher humidity during the day will linger into the overnight hours. Temperatures 65-72 degrees in the valleys and 60-65 in higher elevations. Relative humidity of 50-60% and winds will be SW 6-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph on the ridges.

Resources-880:  1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 24-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 4-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 50-engines, 25-dozers, 33-water tenders and 7-skidgens.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area.  Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.  If you fly, we can’t.  The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.

Donations:  People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/

Closure: The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands in and near the South Obenchain Fire to all forms of public access. In addition, the Medford District has temporarily closed all Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in and near Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, as well as south of Grants Pass, Interstate 5, and U.S. Route 199 to the border of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  

To View Closure Order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions or call 541-618-2340 for more information about the closure.

  ###

South Obenchain Fire Update   

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander, Scott Magers

September 17, 2020 – 9:00 PM

The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies.  To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness.  This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.  Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.

Current situation:

The Jackson County Sherriff Office in consultation with fire managers of the South Obenchain Fire has lowered the evacuation level from a level 3 to a level 2 in the Indian Creek area for residents that live outside of the fire perimeter.  Residents should be aware that equipment and firefighting equipment will still be in the area. Please drive with caution. 

Cooler weather arrived over the fire today allowing firefighters to make good progress mopping up and reinforcing solid black line. On the east flank of the fire, crews worked to complete additional containment line with no spread.   On the south, west and north flanks of the fire perimeter, crews continued mop up. Due to the heavy smoke, aircraft were unable to fly.  Fire suppression repair work began today on the cool portion of the fire.

The low-pressure system arrived today bringing cooler temperatures, with excellent relative humidity recovery.  Possible thunderstorms are predicted with the potential of strong, gusty, and erratic winds. Night crews will remain vigilant watching for gusts that could spread embers outside of the containment lines. Light showers may reach the fire bringing a possible 0.1 inch of rain tonight. The rain will be welcome helping fire suppression efforts, but this is not a season ending event and the risk of extreme fire continues.

A task force of structural engines with the Oregon State Fire Marshal continues to patrol along the Butte Falls Highway and the town of Butte Falls providing point protection.

Jackson County Road Department crews continue to mitigate hazards along the Butte Falls Highway. Power has been restored to the town of Butte Falls. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry provided an unmanned aircraft (drone) with infrared capabilities. The drone will again fly the south end of the fire locating heat. A map with those locations will be provided to firefighters to find and mop up the hotspots.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team is in the area completing their final evaluation damage assessments to private property.

Acreage: 32,833

Containment: 35%

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Information: (541) 776-7338

E-mail:  SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com

Information Websites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185

Air Quality: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in place to protect the public and the firefighters that are working to control the fire.  Please adhere to the evacuation level issued for your area.  Please view the Jackson County Emergency Management web page for the most current map.

https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/almeda-fire-evacuation-zones-downgraded-1

Jackson County Sheriff Department

https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff

Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers. 

Weather:  Scattered showers with a slight chance of thunderstorms 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Showers again late overnight.  Minimum temperatures 49-55 degrees.  With a relative humidity of 80-100%.   The chance of rain is 40% with 10% chance of thunderstorms.  Winds will be SW-W 8-10 mph.  With gusts to 25 mph this evening.

Resources-880:  1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 24-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 4-medium helicopters, 3- heavy helicopters, 50-engines, 25-dozers, 33-water tenders and 7-skidgens.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area.  Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.  If you fly, we can’t.  The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.

Donations:  People wishing to donate to help individuals and families that have been displaced by fires can visit the local Access website for additional information. https://www.accesshelps.org/

Closure: The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands in and near the South Obenchain Fire to all forms of public access. In addition, the Medford District has temporarily closed all Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in and near Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, as well as south of Grants Pass, Interstate 5, and U.S. Route 199 to the border of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  

To View Closure Order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions or call 818-975-0419 for more information about the closure.

  ###    

 The Jackson County Sheriff's office in consultation with the fire managers of the South Obenchain Fire has lowered the evacuation level for the Indian Creek area outside of the fire perimeter from a level 3 to a level 2. This applies to residents only. Please be aware there will be fire fighting resources and other equipment working in the area.

South Obenchain Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander, Scott Magers

September 16, 2020 – 7:00 PM

The life and safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all fire agencies.  To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness.  This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and base camp.  Please see the websites below or contact the Jackson County Emergency Management Office at (541) 776-7338 for further fire information.

Current situation:

Firefighters continue to mitigate the many hazards associated with firefighting such as, danger trees, extreme fire behavior, driving on unimproved roads, working around heavy equipment and working around aircraft.

The forward progress of the fire has been stopped. The eastern flank of the fire continues to be the highest area of concern. Crews were able to contain a one acre spot fire last night in the Doubleday creek area. Aircraft assisted in locating and reducing hot spots. Dozers are reinforcing direct lines on the eastern part of the fire.

Firefighters will strengthen existing containment lines and continue mop-up of hot spots on the south, west and north flanks of the fire.  In cooler parts of the fire, repair from fire suppression efforts are beginning. Repairs could include damaged roadways, fencing, water barring and pulling berms of dozer lines in preparation of the winter rainfall and snows.   

A task force of structural engines with the Oregon State Fire Marshal continues to patrol along the Butte Falls Highway and Butte Falls providing point protection.

Jackson County Road Department crews continue to mitigate hazards along the Butte Falls Highway. Pacific Power is also working along the Butte Falls Highway to restore power.  An official drone operation may occur over the fire area tonight to search for heat near the fire line. 

Acreage: 32,814

Containment: 25%

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Information: (541) 776-7338

E-mail:  SouthObenchainFire@gmail.com

Information Websites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthObenchainFire

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7185

Air Quality: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Evacuations: Evacuations orders are in place to protect the public and the firefighters that are working to control the fire.  Please adhere to the evacuation level issued for your area.  Please view the Jackson County Emergency Management web page for the most current map.

https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/almeda-fire-evacuation-zones-downgraded-1

Jackson County Sheriff Department

https://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff

Shelter Location: The evacuation shelter is located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where care and services are available such as food, medical care, bathrooms and showers. 

Weather:  Widespread smoke will continue over the area. Thursday will be cooler with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Westerly winds gusting to 15 mph in the afternoon will be possible with gusty and erratic winds near the thunderstorm. Temperatures will be around 70 with relative humidity near 40%.

Resources-914:  1-type 1 hand crew, 1-type 2 initial attack crew, 22-type 2 crews, 3- light helicopters, 5-medium helicopters, 4- heavy helicopters, 66-engines, 27-dozers, 33-water tenders and 6-skidgens.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area.  Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.  If you fly, we can’t.  The entire air operation must be shut down until the air space is reported clear.

Donations:  Donations to help individuals and families that have been displaced by the Almeda and South Obenchain Fires can visit Accesshelp.org.

Closure: The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands in and near the South Obenchain Fire to all forms of public access. In addition, the Medford District has temporarily closed all Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in and near Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, as well as south of Grants Pass, Interstate 5, and U.S. Route 199 to the border of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  

To View Closure Order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions or call 818-975-0419 for more information about the closure.

  ###      

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander, Scott Magers

September 16, 2020 – 9:00 AM

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Management Blue Team, Incident Commander, Scott Magers

September 15, 2020 – 9:00 PM