East Evans Creek Fire 95% Contained, Transition to Local ODF Team Saturday

The East Evans Creek Fire has reached 95% containment thanks to firefighter efforts. In the final update on the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry, unless conditions change, the fire remains at 15,580 acres. Crews completed backhauling operations Tuesday, removing hose, equipment, and other resources from the fireline. The focus now is completing suppression repair, restoring impacted areas, and continuing mop up in locations where isolated heat remains. Infrared reconnaissance and routine monitoring continue to identify occasional hotspots within the fire perimeter. Yesterday, a helicopter completed a bucket drop to cool a small area of residual heat along the north side of the fire. While firefighters continue extinguishing remaining hotspots, light interior smoke will remain visible at times as heavier fuels continue to smolder well within the established containment lines. On Saturday, the Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 will complete its deployment and transition management of the East Evans Creek Fire to a local Oregon Department of Forestry Type 3 Incident Management Team. ...Read more

BCC Approves Housing Rehabilitation Grant Contract at WBS

A Community Development Block Grant was approved by the Board of Commissioners at today's Weekly Business Session. The $500,000 Housing Rehabilitation Grant Contract would go towards a home repair program to provide housing outside the city boundaries. Approval of Conflict of Interest and the contract passed 3-0. Next, a motion favoring a Subrecipient Agreement between Josephine County and Home Bridging for the 2025 Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Program passed unanimously. The board made no motion on the matter of referring a measure for the renewal of the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five Year Local Option Tax to voters at the November 3rd election. Further discussion on the topic will take place. During requests and comments from citizens, topics brought to the board included the Jail and Detention Levy, complaints about law enforcement, alleged tyranny, and children's education. The board then approved the consent calendar. Commissioner Gary Richardson encouraged the public to be warry of heat exhaustion and heat stroke during triple digit conditions, with helpful information attached to the meeting minutes. The fairgrounds team was highlighted for this year's County Fair, and the meeting adjourned. ...Read more

I-5 Fire Mop-Up Expanded, Containment Remains 23% as Heat, Wind Return

Crews took advantage of favorable overnight conditions to expand mop-up on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire to 300 feet from the 100 acre fire's perimeter. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the blaze is still 23% contained. Today's operational priorities include holding the fire securely within established containment lines, continuing extensive mop-up operations, and removing hazardous snags throughout the steep, heavily timbered terrain. Resources assigned today include six 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, one Type 3 engine, three water tenders, one dozer, two skid units, one falling module, a reconnaissance flight, and additional aircraft available if needed. A reconnaissance flight is planned to identify any remaining areas of heat or concern. Another Red Flag Warning remains in effect today, bringing hot temperatures, gusty winds, and very low relative humidity. Firefighters are taking advantage of every opportunity to strengthen containment ahead of the most challenging burning conditions expected this afternoon. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Warning is still in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, JCU-422-B, and JCU-422-C. ...Read more