ASHLAND, Ore. – ODF firefighters from the SW Oregon District, assisted by Jackson County Fire District 5 and Bureau of Land Management engines, succeeded in completing a fire line around the Memorial Fire 10 miles east of Ashland about two hours after the fire was reported. The fire was called in about 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 and was lined by 5 p.m.
The fire, estimated at 61 acres, was on the north side of Dead Indian Memorial Road, 10 miles east of Ashland. The local ODF District responded with five engines, a dozer and three helicopters. Three 10-person crews assisted with fire line construction and mop-up.
One retardant drop (see photo courtesy of Darin Welburn) was made but power lines through the fire area made further retardant drops inadvisable.
The fire burned through grass and oak woodland. No structures were damaged although one residence was threatened. Much if not all of the burned area is on private grazing land.