ODF Fires July 8, 2018

July 8, 2018

Klamathon Fire – Southwest Oregon District
This fire started Thursday, July 5, in northern California on Klamathon Road. With dry and windy conditions, the fire quickly grew to over 8,000 acres in the first day and is currently estimated at 30,500 acres, with approx. 1,200 of those in Oregon. The fire
crossed the Oregon/California border about 5 miles east of I-5 early Saturday morning. ODF ground crews and aviation forces are heavily engaged and our agency is in unified command with CAL Fire and Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. There are currently upwards of 2,300 personnel battling the blaze.

The fire continues to threaten the communities in northern California and Colestin, Ore. Approximately 600 homes in these areas remain threatened.

Oregon evacuation notifications in Jackson County remain in place with the following areas in Jackson County are currently at a Level 3 (red) “Go” evacuation notice:

  • Colestin Road area from the Oregon-California border to the Mount Ashland Ski Road.
  • Highway 99 from the Oregon-California border to the Mount Ashland Ski Road.

In addition, the following areas will remain at a Level 2 (yellow) “Be Set” evacuation notice:

  • Mount Ashland Ski Road from Mount Ashland down to Highway 99.
  • Old Highway 99 to just below Callahan’s Lodge.

For more detailed information on the Klamathon Fire, visit: www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents
 
Memaloose State Park Fire
Located ten miles east of Hood River, Oregon, the Memaloose State Park fire was reported on Friday, July 6 with the cause still under investigation. Firefighters worked on Saturday to complete fireline and have kept the fire at 65 acres. This morning the fire is 35% contained. Firefighters from Mosier Fire Department, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area continue to assist in the suppression effort providing water tenders, fire engines and fire fighters. Today firefighters will be working to mop-up heat and flames within the fire area.
The fire threatened homes in the Rowena Dell area. Current evacuation information can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/.
Highway 30 re-opened late Saturday, however fire activity and suppression actions can rapidly evolve, please use www.tripcheck.com to verify road closures.
Memaloose State Park is currently closed to new campers entering the campground. This closure is in place to ensure firefighter and public safety during firefighting activities. The westbound Interstate 84 Memaloose Rest Area will remain closed until repairs can be made to the electrical system which were damaged by the fire.
The fire burned lands within Memaloose State Park, Oregon Travel Experience’s Memaloose Rest Area, and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue protection, and some lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
 

Atlantic Ave Fire
Continued mop-up and damage
assessment are underway.
First reported just after 4 p.m. Thursday, July 5, this wind-driven fire grew rapidly reaching 100 acres  Medford Fire-Rescue, Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District, and Lake Creek Rural. By 8:30 p.m., a majority of the fire’s spread was stopped. 

within an hour of ignition. In addition to ODF Southwest and Fire District 3 engines, one of our Rogue Valley Structural Strike Teams was activated bringing additional assistance from

Firefighters worked overnight to complete the perimeter fire line and begin mop-up operations, keeping the fire at 115 acres burned. 
Firefighters conducted a damage assessment with damages including multiple vehicles including two RVs, one bus, and six boats; four outbuildings; and one vacant residential structure have been deemed a total loss. No public, firefighter, or animal/pet injuries reported. Crews will continue working with the community in the upcoming days to assess any further damage on personal properties.
After a thorough investigation by Fire District 3, ODF Southwest Oregon District, and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon, fireworks were found to be the cause of the fire. Deputies will refer the case to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for adjudication. 
We are continuously thankful for our partnerships with our city, county, private and state agencies throughout our region, not to mention the countless community members willing to help their neighbors. Yesterday’s conditions were ripe for a wildfire that could have spread to even greater lengths. Due to the speedy and superb partnership, this fire was deemed “controlled” by nightfall.

 
 
Lobster Creek Fire

The Lobster Creek Fire burned hot in a clear cut below
the road and scorched the stand of trees above

ODF Incident Management Team 3 handed the fire back to the Coos Forest Protective Association today. After four days with no additional growth and well-established control lines,  ODF Incident Management Team 3 handed the fire back to the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA). Fire managers are confident it poses no additional threat to life or property. with containment estimated at 75 percent.

CFPA will manage the fire with a smaller (Type 3) organization based at the Curry County Fairgrounds. Suppression strategies include additional mop up, regular engine patrols and rehabilitation efforts. The Curry County Fair will take place at the Fairgrounds as planned July 25-28.
The Lobster Creek Fire was a fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds. It burned valuable productive timberlands protected by the Coos Forest Protective Association. Responsive efforts by state and local wildland forces kept the fire’s size under 400 acres.  

 
 

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