Burnt Peak Fire
Today firefighters are continuing extensive mop up of the Burnt Peak Fire in the Southwest Oregon District, hoping to reduce any chance for flare ups ahead of this week’s expected high temperatures. The Burnt Peak Fire started Saturday, July 29 roughly 13 miles northeast of Shady Cove, a town about 20 miles north of Medford. GIS mapping showed the fire Sunday at 31 acres.
The fire burned in timber and debris on steep terrain on private property. No structures were threatened. The rugged landscape and gusty winds challenged ODF firefighters, who were nonetheless able to fully line the fire on Sunday.
The initial report was made by a reconnaissance aircraft. Continuous coordination between ground and air resources assisted in checking the fire’s progress. Two large air tankers and three helicopters fought the fire Saturday. Some 15,000 gallons of fire retardant were dropped on the fire in addition to water drops. One fixed-wing aircraft and three helicopters supported the fire Sunday.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Triple-digit temperatures this week will bring increased fire risk
A heat wave is expected to settle over much of Oregon this week, raising temperatures into triple digits on both sides of the Cascades. The extreme heat will raise the risk of fire starts even further. In anticipation, today at least two entities raised their fire danger level to extreme (red). ODF’s Southwest Oregon District raised the fire danger level on the 1.8 million acres of private and public lands it protects, including Bureau of Land Management land. The Douglas Forest Protective Association did the same on the 1.6 million acres of private, public and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands they protect in southern Oregon, including Bureau of Land Management land.
For details about fire restrictions in your area, click on the ODF Fire Restrictions and Closures page or contact your local ODF office.