MERLIN, Ore. – There were almost 600 acres of growth Thursday on the Garner Complex, bringing the total number of acres burned to 1,700 this morning. Dry conditions, low overnight humidity and daytime highs still in the 90s are not helping firefighters.
The Grave No. 3 Fire was reported at 800 acres and continued to grow overnight. The Section 14 Fire was at 160 acres and active overnight. Smoke and ash from both of these fires is blowing south into the community of Wimer, northeast of Grants Pass. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 2 (Be set) evacuation notice for seven homes on Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek.
The Pleasant Fire stands at 400 acres. A new hot spot fire was found and crews began work to contain it. Crews will be opening additional roads to the fire for easier access. They will also continue to secure control lines on the north side of the fire. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation notices are in place for different stretches of Pleasant Creek Road.
One of the fires that grew significantly yesterday was the Ditch Fire. It grew from 5 acres to 60. Crews are working to line this fire and secure it.
To the south, the Spencer Fire No. 3 is fully lined, plumbed and will be in mop up today.
Canadian airtankers have arrived in southern Oregon but have been kept on the ground in Medford due to smoky conditions. Once conditions improve, they will begin assisting the wildfire.
Altogether some 16 aircraft are assigned to the fire, including nine helicopters. Those helicopters are continuing to drop water on the fires.
Left: Aircraft are playing an important role in helping suppress fires in the Garner Complex in southern Oregon. A total of 16 aircraft are currently engaged on the Complex.