Agreeable Overnight Conditions Aid I-5 Mop-Up before Critical Weather Returns
Cool overnight temperatures helped firefighters make significant headway on 96.2 acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire mop-up operations before the return of critical fire weather today. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews utilized conditions to double mop-up depth along the perimeter, increasing to approximately 100 feet. Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 has officially assumed command of the incident and will continue directing suppression efforts moving forward. Today's priorities remain focused on keeping the fire within the established containment lines while continuing mop-up operations and mitigating hazardous snags in the steep terrain. A reconnaissance flight is planned to identify any remaining areas of concern, and aircraft are available to support firefighters if needed.
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East Evans Creek Fire 90% Contained, Red Flag Warning in Effect at 2 p.m.
Fire crews on the East Evans Creek Fire made further progress yesterday as mop-up expanded, suppression repair advanced, and hose and equipment removal took place on the now 90% contained blaze. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains at 15,580 acres. An infrared-equipped UAS conducted thermal reconnaissance over the fire area, locating remaining hotspots along the north left side of the fire. Ground crews are systematically gridding those areas and extinguishing the remaining heat. With the Red Flag Warning in effect at 2 p.m., weather conditions that can contribute to rapid fire growth will be present. The forecast includes temperatures in the mid-90s to around 100 degrees, afternoon winds with gusts up to 25 mph, and very low relative humidity between 12% and 19%.
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GP Police Continue Search for Wanted Man Following Disturbance, Car Chase
Grants Pass Police continue searching for a domestic disturbance suspect. Dispatch was notified around 7:22 a.m. of a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of NE Meier Drive. Police discovered the suspect had fled out the back door. After the investigation, officers established probable cause to arrest Anthony Teal, 36, for Strangulation and Menacing. The search continued for Teal in the area. He was then reported stealing a car at the corner of NE D Street and Beacon Drive. Teal had pulled the male driver out of his car, who attempted to keep control. With the victim driver hanging on, Teal hurriedly accelerated onto NE D. He then struck another motorist who had stopped after seeing the car theft. Teal sped backwards, with the victim driver still being dragged from the car, but who was soon able to free himself. Teal then fled that scene, and American Medical Response aided the victim driver. A Josephine County Sheriff’s deputy located Teal near the railroad bridge on the Grants Pass Parkway. A traffic stop was attempted, but Teal eluded. The pursuit was terminated, and law enforcement lost sight of Teal because it was too dangerous to follow him closely.
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