August 18, 2020
WINSTON, Ore. – Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Winston – Dillard Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire Monday afternoon located six miles southwest of Winston in the Kent Creek area. The first engine arrived on scene of the Kent Creek Fire shortly before 5:00 PM and reported a quarter acre fire burning in a stand of young trees with several small spot fires burning in a recently logged unit downhill from the main fire. Due to the potential for large fire growth, a second helicopter was requested to respond to the incident.
Ground resources, including engine crews and a bull dozer worked to construct fire lines and install hose lays around the perimeter of both the main fire and the spot fires while the two helicopters dumped buckets of water on the fire to keep it in check. At approximately 6:00 PM, the Kent Creek Incident Commander reported that the forward spread of the fire had been stopped and crews would be shifting their efforts to securing control lines and mopping up the fire. Firefighters will remain on scene of the Kent Creek Fire, overnight.
The Kent Creek Fire burned approximately two acres of wildland fuels. No homes were threatened by the fire and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the cause of the Kent Creek Fire is asked to contact DFPA or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
August 18, 2020
Central Oregon – Firefighters have picked up 11 new fires across Central Oregon today from the lightning storms that have blanketed the region. The largest fire in Central Oregon is currently the Green Ridge Fire, which is 26 acres and 5% contained.
The Green Ridge Fire is burning in heavy timber two miles northeast of Camp Sherman on the Deschutes National Forest, Sisters Ranger District. Aerial resources were able to assist firefighting efforts on the ground to construct preliminary fire lines but the steep terrain continues to be a challenge along with active fire behavior and spotting.
Incident #714 approximately one mile southeast of Haystack Reservoir on the Crooked River National Grassland was stopped at 14 acres today. Containment is 50% and firefighters will likely complete mop-up operations tomorrow.
The Lily Fire is estimated to be 10 acres, burning in the 1996 Moolack Fire scar, one quarter mile northeast of Lily Lake in the Charlton Roadless Area. The heel of the fire is adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on the Deschutes National Forest and although there are no trail closures at this time, PCT hikers are encouraged to be aware of this fire and avoid the area if possible.
The Frog Fire in the Maury Mountains was held at 12.5 acres today with no movement of the perimeter overnight. Firefighters have constructed preliminary fire line around the majority of the fire and have been able to lay water hoses around the entire perimeter to cool the edges and begin securing the line. The work to hold and secure this fire will continue tomorrow.
The remaining fires across Central Oregon have all been held at under ½ acre.
August 17, 2020
Size as of IR flight: 985
Containment: 65%
Start date: August 12, 2020
Location: Wasco County
Cause: Under investigation
Personnel: 693
Structures threatened: 662
Structures damaged: 1
Structures destroyed: 36
Evacuations: Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set) and Level 3 (GO!) are in effect.
Fire Info Page: https://www.facebook.com/mosiercreekfire2020/
MOSIER, Ore. – Crews worked to achieve the 200’ mop-up marker from containment line to the interior of the fire. Today, firefighters have set the goal of reaching the 300’ mop-up marker.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal IMT and the remaining Task Forces demobilize today and will release the delegation of structure responsibilities to local fire authorities. ODF will continue to manage the Mosier Creek Fire.
August 17, 2020
GRAVES CREEK, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s Smoke Detection department spotted a small white column near Graves Creek road at approximately 4:30pm. Eight (8) engines, four (4) crews, two (2) dozers, two (2) water tenders, three (3) helicopters, two (2) SEATS from Roseburg and one (1) large Air Tanker from Medford immediately deployed for initial attack, which is being led by the ODF’s Grants Pass unit.
The fire is estimated to be less than 5 acres at this time and is burring on forestland 16 miles Northwest of Rogue River. A wet line has been drawn around the fire.
August 15, 2020
Size as of IR flight: 985
Containment: 30%
Start date: August 12, 2020
Location: Wasco County
Cause: Under investigation
Personnel: 751
Structures threatened: 658
Structures destroyed: 31
Evacuations: Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set) and Level 3 (GO!) are in effect.
Fire Info Page: https://www.facebook.com/mosiercreekfire2020/
MOSIER, Ore. – Fire personnel continue to reinforce the perimeter of the Mosier Creek Fire. Over the past 24 hours there has been minimal fire growth. The fire is 985 acres and 30% contained.
Large equipment, air resources and firefighters are in and around the fire area. Public and firefighter safety is our priority. We want to remind the community this is an active firefighting operation. Please choose alternative driving routes and do not enter the area.
On 8/14/20, OSFM/ODF completed the first assessment of structures affected by the Mosier Creek fire. From the outset of the fire, 11 single family residences, 2 commercial properties and 18 outbuildings were destroyed. An outbuilding was also damaged. Two residences and the commercial properties were uninhabited.
The loss of a home during a fire is a tragedy. Thankfully, Wasco County’s evacuation system worked effectively. There have been no injuries or fatalities at this time.
To receive evacuation alerts from Wasco County, you can sign up for reverse 911 at: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612392/login
ODF and OSFM are in unified command. As risks to structures diminish, OSFM will begin planning the transition of structure crews back to their home agencies. ODF will continue to manage the fire after OSFM demobilizes.
Today at 4 p.m., we are hosting a virtual Community Meeting. Local and state fire officials and community leaders will share fire updates and answer questions. A virtual meeting allows the IMTs to follow COVID Best Practices while also providing information to the public. To join the meeting, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/mosiercreekfire2020/
The meeting will be simultaneously translated into Spanish with instructions at the start of the meeting.
August 15, 2020
ROSEBURG, Ore. – Crews from DFPA and local fire department continue to respond to illegal burns on almost a daily basis. Friday morning, crews from DFPA responded to an illegal debris burn in the Kent Creek area, located outside of Dillard. Upon arrival, crews located a smoldering debris pile that was left unattended. Later in the day, firefighters responded to illegal campfires north of Myrtle Creek in the Boomer Hill area and in the Cow Creek area outside of Riddle.
An illegal burn in the Dillard area that required response from the Douglas Forest Protective Association.
Fire officials remind that all backyard debris burning, including both debris piles and burn barrels, remains prohibited on DFPA protected land and campfires are only allowed within DFPA designated campgrounds. Individuals found to be burning illegally can be fined up to $1,000 in addition to being billed for fire suppression cost if their actions result in the start of a wildfire. Illegal burns can be reported to DFPA by calling 541-672-6507 between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM, seven days a week. Outside of those hours, illegal burns can be reported to the Douglas County Communications Non-Emergency Number at 541-440-4471.
August 14, 2020
Mosier, Ore. – The Mosier Creek Fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m. and quickly grew to just over 500 acres by 10 p.m., prompting multiple evacuations. Fire officials flew an infrared scouting flight overnight and estimated the fire to have grown to 791 acres. The fire has currently destroyed 4 structures. The fire is believed to be human caused and is currently under investigation.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Department has issued multiple evacuation notices and is the primary contact for information regarding evacuation changes. Approximately 564 homes are under an evacuation notice. The Shilo Inn located in The Dalles, OR serves as an emergency shelter for displaced community members who have had to evacuate their homes.
Winds and warmer temperatures caused the fire to grow at a rapid pace. Firefighters worked overnight to build containment lines despite the challenging weather conditions. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) along with other agency and contract firefighting resources will work to contain the forward spread of the fire while resources from Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM)will focus on protecting homes.
At noon Thursday incident management teams from Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry met at the Wahtonka Community School cafeteria to in-brief and join in unified command of the Mosier Creek Fire. Governor Kate Brown invoked the conflagration act which allows additional state firefighting resources to mobilize in protection of life and property.
Covid-19 proves to be a new challenge in regard to fighting large fires, but the commanders are committed to keeping everyone safe and minimizing the potential for Covid-19 spread. Crews are working in a “module of one” method that ensures firefighting resources do not come in contact with others that are outside of their assigned modules. All assigned personnel to the fire are required to follow Oregon Health Authority’s Guidance to reduce the spread of Covid 19. The incident commander for OSFM stated “This is a zero-tolerance policy.”
August 13, 2020
Crews from Coos Fire Protective Association and rural fire protection agencies from Scottsburg, Reedsport, Elkton and Gardner were able to protect threatened homes and control a tough fire near Scottsburg earlier this week.
The MM 16 Hwy 38 fire started Tuesday just east of Scottsburg.
The 13-acre MM 16 Highway 38 Fire started on Tuesday just east of Scottsburg. Pushed by strong winds, it was burning in steep terrain along Highway 38. Several homes were in the path of the fire, but crews were able to ensure no structures were lost. Three Type II helicopters and a Coos FPA Type III helicopter all were involved in stopping the fire’s progress.
“Everyone sent quality people to assist with this fire,” Coos FPA District Manager Mike Robison said. “You can’t beat good neighbors.”
The blaze was caused by a mechanical failure from a trailer being towed.
You can follow activity in the Coos FPA area by liking their Facebook page.
August 10, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry is seeking information related to finding the individual responsible for starting the Fir Mountain Fire southeast of Odell. Investigators were able to locate the point of origin for the fire and have determined it to be human caused. Anyone with information which could be used to find the person responsible for causing the fire can call the Oregon State Police Tip Line, 1-800-452-7888.
Fire danger in The Dalles Unit is EXTREME, and restrictions associated with public activities are in place.
The Fir Mountain Fire was reported on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 on private lands in Hood River County along Fir Mountain Road. Fire suppression activities continue on the fire with full containment expected this Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020.
Suppression efforts have cost landowners and the citizens of Oregon more than $3 million.
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August 10, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore. – Sunday evening, Aug. 9 the Central Oregon Fire Management Service transferred command of the Fir Mountain Fire back to Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) The Dalles Unit. Approximately 130 firefighters continue to staff the Fir Mountain Fire as a Type 4 organization. Operations continue to focus on mop-up of the interior of the fire and locating any hot spots near the perimeter. Resources include local contract hand crews and engines from ODF’s Northwest Oregon Area. Full containment of the fire is expected Wednesday.
Helicopters assigned to the fire will be released mid-day today to return to home areas or staff other fires. Local aircraft is available if air support is need on the fire. Engines assigned to the fire are available to respond to new fires if the need arises.
The Fir Mountain Fire is 313 acres and was first reported late on August 1, 2020. The fire is human caused and under investigation. Anyone with information which may help investigators find the person responsible for the fire is asked to call the Oregon State Police Tip Line, 1-800-452-7888.
The Wasco County Sheriff has removed all evacuations from the east side of the fire and reopened Godberson Road to public travel. Details are available on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff. Fir Mountain Road and associated side roads in Hood River County has also been reopened to public travel. For public and firefighter safety the speed limit for the road has been reduced. The road is a single lane road in many places, the public is reminded to use caution in the area and watch for activity associated firefighting operations.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
August 10, 2020
WINSTON, Ore. – Firefighters are crediting a fuels reduction project for the quick stop of a fire nine miles west of Winston on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 9. Crews from Douglas Forest Protective Association, Tenmile Rural Fire Department and the Winston – Dillard Fire Department responded to a natural cover fire, arriving on scene of the Reston Road Fire around 1:30 p.m. The fire was spreading up a hillside where fuels reduction work had been completed by DFPA crews three years prior. An aggressive initial attack by firefighters using aviation and ground resources stopped the forward spread of the Reston Road Fire at a quarter acre of wildland fuels about 10 minutes after crews arrived on scene.
This particular fuels reduction treatment focused on removing the underbrush and young saplings in the treatment area. The large dominate trees were also pruned six to ten feet off the ground. In theory, the removal of underbrush and young saplings, in addition to pruning the large leave trees, reduces the intensity of potential wildfires by keeping the fire on the ground and out of the tree canopy, making the fire easier to suppress.
Crews remained on scene of the Reston Road Fire until 5 p.m., mopping up hot spots and securing control lines. A preliminary fire investigation indicated that the cause of the Reston Road Fire was power line related. It was one of four wildfires DFPA and local firefighters responded to over the weekend.
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August 8, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore. – Firefighters increased containment of the Fir Mountain Fire to 70% on Friday, Aug. 7. The fire southeast of Hood River remains 313 acres and within its current footprint with a combination of dozer line, handline and roads around the perimeter.
Fire resources continue to conduct mop-up operations utilizing hose lays to increase the depth of cold ground interior of the fireline to further secure the perimeter of the fire. Additionally, the incident management team continues to use aerial and ground infrared technology to detect interior hot spots and check for spot fires. Fire behavior remains minimal.
Friday the Wasco County Sheriff’s Department reduced the Level 3 evacuation notice for 2900 Godberson Road to a Level 1. The Level 1 evacuation notice for Mosier Creek Road area from 3475 Mosier Creek Road to 3950 Mosier Creek Road to 1 mile south of 8020 Ketchum Road to 2000 Ketchum Road is still in effect as well. Evacuation information is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
Road closures are still in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road for public and firefighter safety. Fire engines, water tenders, heavy equipment and supply vehicles continue to utilize these narrow, steep roads to support fire suppression activities.
The fire, which was first reported Saturday, Aug.1, remains under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
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August 7, 2020
As many people in the Pacific Northwest head out for summer road trips, the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) offers the reminder that vehicles can spark wildfires during the hot and dry months of summer.
“This year, many families will choose to take road trips for their summer vacations,” says Lauren Maloney, Chair of the PNWCG Communication, Prevention and Investigation Committee. “Taking extra care to prepare for road trips and outdoor adventures should include securing and maintaining vehicles before people hit the road to help avoid sparking a wildfire.”
As of August 6 there had been 1,983 wildfires in Oregon and Washington, and 85 percent of them were human caused. Of the 1,061 wildfires to date in Oregon, 787 of them were started by humans. While some of this ratio is the result of lower-than-typical lightning ignitions, it is important for people to pay extra attention to avoid doing anything that could start a wildfire.
Under hot, dry conditions, all types of motorized vehicles can ignite a wildfire. An above average risk of large fires is expected in central Oregon, southwest Oregon, southeast Oregon, and central Washington through August. Fire officials ask for your help. Follow these basic safety tips when you ride or drive to keep an enjoyable outing from turning into a costly, damaging wildfire:
TIPS TO REDUCE VEHICLE WILDFIRES
- Ensure all parts of your vehicle are secure and not touching the ground. A loose safety tow chain or muffler dragging on pavement can send a shower of sparks into dry vegetation, igniting not one but several wildfires along a roadside.
- Check your tire pressure and look for signs of wear. Once a flat tire shreds, the bare wheel on pavement can cast sparks onto roadside vegetation. This scenario has resulted in numerous Pacific Northwest wildfires. Likewise, poorly lubricated wheel bearings can overheat and ignite, and the metal-on-metal contact of a worn-out brake can emit sparks. Ensure that they receive regular maintenance.
- Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors so they are undamaged and functioning properly. A worn-out catalytic converter can degrade and cast off extremely hot pieces of material, and a faulty spark arrestor can shed hot metal. Engine compartments can collect debris and ignite a spark. Also, regularly inspect the vehicle undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
- A running vehicle’s exhaust system can reach temperatures up to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid driving, idling, or parking on tall, dry grass or piles of brush that can touch the underside of a vehicle. A few seconds of contact between dry grass and a hot catalytic converter or exhaust system can start a fire. Operate ATVs on established roads and trails, and park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off-road.
- Follow recreational forest laws during fire season, including whether off-road driving is permitted. Report all fires immediately. Keep a cell phone, water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher with you in the event a fire starts.
- Make sure that your RV’s cooking appliances, generator, and propane system are all working properly.
- Respect private forestlands and their designated closure areas.
August 7, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore – Despite significant winds kicked up by Thursday’s passing storm front, firefighters were able to maintain the Fir Mountain Fire within its current footprint. The fire remains 313 acres with a combination of dozer line, handline and roads around the perimeter and is now 60% contained. Yesterday’s storm front produced minimal precipitation over the fire.
Today, Friday, Aug. 7, firefighting resources continue mop-up operations utilizing hose lays. Resources are increasing the depth of cooled ground interior of the fireline to further secure the perimeter of the fire. Fire behavior remains minimal.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Department has reduced the Level 3 evacuation notice for 2900 Godberson Road to a Level 1. The Level 1 evacuation notice for Mosier Creek Road area from 3475 Mosier Creek Road to 3950 Mosier Creek Road to 1 mile south of 8020 Ketchum Road to 2000 Ketchum Road is still in effect as well. For public safety road closures are in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road due to fire suppression activity. Evacuation information is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
The fire, which is southeast of Hood River on lands protected by ODF, was first reported on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 and remains under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
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August 6, 2020
THE DALLES, ORE. – Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Fir Mountain Fire southeast of Hood River. The fire remains 313 acres and is now 50% contained. By the end of Wednesday’s day shift, the fire was lined around it’s perimeter by dozer line, handline and roads. Last night’s breezy conditions produced new interior consumption of previously unburned pockets within containment lines; however, firefighters held the fire within its existing footprint.
Today, Thursday, Aug. 6, fire resources will continue strengthening the perimeter by increasing the depth of cooled ground interior of the fireline. Resources will utilize hose lays to conduct mop-up operations. As windy conditions are expected to remain over the incident today, firefighters will be gridding the perimeter of the fire for potential spot fires.
For public safety road closures are in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road due to fire suppression activity. Evacuation information for the eastern flank of the fire is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
The fire was first reported on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 and remains under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
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August 6, 2020
EAGLE POINT, Ore. – The Worthington Fire is 75% contained as of Wednesday, Aug. 5. Fire behavior is mostly smoldering and creeping. Fire crews are working on mop-up to improve and strengthen the fire line, expanding and clearing the fire perimeter to 100’-150’ deep. Safety of the public and wildland firefighters is the number one priority, so crews continue to remove hazardous fire-weakened trees in transportation corridors. Fire crews were able to recover a significant amount of excess hose from the southwestern fire perimeter yesterday where it was no longer needed for fire suppression.
High temperature across the fire area Wednesday was forecast for 89 degrees, with low humidity and light winds in the afternoon.
The Incident Command Post is located at the Eagle Point Middle School. The team is requesting the public avoid the incident command post to protect firefighter and community health. The response to this fire is a coordinated effort of county, state, and federal partners, with most of the fire fighters being locals from the Rogue Valley. As the activity on this fire continues to decline, resources from the Worthington Fire are available to support other fires in the area.
All evacuations on the fire have been downgraded to a level 1 “BE READY” status. The Oregon Department of Forestry increased the official fire danger level to Extreme (red) on all state, private and county forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties on July 31. The BLM and ODF ask the public to assist wildland firefighters by preventing human-caused wildfires, as human-caused wildfires often comprise more than 80 percent of all wildfire ignitions throughout the country.
Location: about 5 miles NE of Eagle Point
Start time: Approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 30.
Fuel type: forest and brush on private property and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management
Size: 761 acres
Cause: Under investigation.
Containment: 75 percent
Personnel: 349
Crews: 14
Dozers: 5
Water tenders: 9
Helicopters: 2
Engines: 10
August 5, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make progress on the Fir Mountain Fire southeast of Hood River. Overnight the fire was held within the existing footprint and as of Wednesday morning, Aug. 5 firefighters have fireline around 75% of the perimeter. Today fire resources will focus on completing construction of containment lines using existing roads and heavy equipment. Crews will continue developing hoselays for water distribution throughout the fire. Strengthening firelines and securing the perimeter is a priority today, as winds are expected to increase throughout the day. Helicopters will be available today to drop water on hot spots as needed by ground crews. Mop-up activities will progress from the fire perimeter into the interior to further secure the fire. The fire is 313 acres with 30% containment.
For public safety, road closures are in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road due to fire suppression activity. Evacuation information for the eastern flank of the fire is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
A vehicle accident involving a firefighter, not engaged on the fireline, occurred Tuesday evening. The firefighter was not injured and will return to duty on the fireline today.
The fire was first reported Saturday, Aug. 1 and remains under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
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August 5, 2020
JOHN DAY, Ore. — Thunderstorms are in the weather forecast for much of central and eastern Oregon on Wednesday. If these storms materialize Oregon Department of Forestry plans to utilize night operation of Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) to suppress fires if they are needed. Night SEAT operations did not occur during last week’s thunderstorms because they were not needed to control any of the ignitions.
Firefighters in John Day have been working with Oregon Department of Forestry’s Aviation Unit for training and preparation should the opportunity and need arise where using a SEAT could safely support on the ground resources in controlling a fire. Pilots utilize night vision goggles, hand signals and chem sticks to identify firefighters and locate the drop location.
Night operations will result in increased activity at the Grant County Airport where the SEAT tanker base is located.
August 5, 2020
THE DALLES, Ore. – Despite breezy afternoon winds Tuesday, Aug. 4, firefighters on the Fir Mountain Fire held the fire within the perimeter and only saw activity from the burning of unburned fuels within the interior. Fire behavior moderated from the last few days and fire resources were able to focus on establishing and reinforcing firelines. Containment for the fire had increased to 30% Tuesday evening. The fire size is 313 acres.
On Tuesday helicopters were used to drop water and cool the spot fires on the eastern flank to allow ground resources to build fireline on the edge of the fire. Heavy equipment is being used to build fireline as possible, while hand crews are being used in the more difficult terrain. Heavy fuels have continued to hamper fireline construction and mop-up activities. On the east flank of the fire firefighters were able to begin construction of hoselays to deliver water to this area of the fire.
Additional resources arrived on the fire Tuesday bringing the total assigned resources to 400.
For public safety road closures are in place for Godberson Road and Fir Mountain Road due to fire suppression activity. Evacuation information for the eastern flank of the fire is available at https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
The fire was first reported Saturday, Aug. 1 and remains under investigation.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
This will be the last evening update unless conditions change.
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July 31, 2020
Medford, Ore. – Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Jackson County Fire District #3 (structural protection) and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department are continuing aggressive initial attack on the Worthington Fire. The fire is currently at 600 acres.
The initial and extended attack teams have been extraordinary in the aggressive efforts to contain this fire. Thanks to cooler weather and higher humidity last night, crews were able to make substantial process creating fire line, and as of 06:00, have dozer lines around 90% of the fire.
The plan for the day is to continue a robust ground and aviation campaign. Weather forecast is mid to upper 90’s, relative humidity 18 with a Haines index of 5. We are expecting some winds later this afternoon with the passage of a dry cold front.
Resources on the fire include 250 personnel, six dozers, eight 20-person hand crews, three water tenders, seven helicopters and one air tanker. Additional air and ground resources will be called in if needed.
Media contact: Brian Ballou (541) 778-9910, Kyle Sullivan (541) 618-2340
