Crews from the ODF SW Oregon District/Medford Unit are battling a grass fire in the 11000 block of Blackwell Road near Gold Hill in rural Jackson County. The fire was reported about 3:30 Sunday afternoon, and by 5:30pm was estimated at 40 acres. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Six engines from ODF and one fire crew are responding to the fire, with air support from two DC-7 tankers and three helicopters. Two dozers are working to assist at the fire. Jackson County Fire District 3 crews are also on the fire line. The fire is sending a large column of smoke up near Interstate 5, as the fire scene is about a mile from the freeway.
Fire Danger remains at ‘High’ and fire season precautions remain in effect in Jackson County.
As new information is confirmed and released from the fire scene, please check SWOFIRE on Twitter at http://twitter.com/swofire
Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry / Salem