ASHLAND, Ore. – Firefighters have hit an important milestone on the Hendrix Fire, reporting it as now 50 percent contained. The fire, 9 miles southwest of Ashland, is one of a string of wildfires sparked by lightning on July 15. The fire burned 1,067 acres, mostly on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest but also affecting 196 acres of land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
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| Above: Smoke rises from the Hendrix Fire in southern Oregon. Before it was stopped the fire burned 1,067 acres, 196 of them on lands protected by ODF. |
Firefighters have built fireline all the way around the fire. The 50 percent containment is on the north and east side of the fire. Firefighters continue to strengthen fireline on the south and west portions of the fire. They want to ensure these areas are secure enough to limit the fire’s spread if interior fire activity increases with changes in weather. The forecast calls for continued hot temperatures nearing 85 to 90 even at higher elevations.
Some 621 personnel, including 4
Hot Shot crews and 13 hand crews have been working on the fire. Some 30 Oregon National Guard troops who have been at the fire handling traffic control are transferring to the Klondike Fire today.
Other resources still on the Hendrix Fire are 22 fire engines, 9 water tenders, 5 assigned dozers and additional dozers on loan from cooperators, 5 helicopters, 1 masticator,
and 3 skidgens.
There will be a Hendrix Fire community meeting on Friday, July 28 at 6 p.m. in Ruch, Ore. Details on the location will be announced when they are final.
CURRENT EVACUATION ORDERS:
The evacuation level has been reduced to Level 1 for the entire Jackson County
Hendrix Fire evacuation area. A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation.
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, and monitor
emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. For the
latest information, go to http://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff/. Residents in the area are encouraged to sign up for
Citizen Alert at http://www.jacksoncounty.org/alert. More info about evacuation levels and preparedness can be
found at http://www.rvem.org.