Firefighters to Continue Progress on East Evans Creek Fire, Spot Fires Overnight
Progress continues to be made on the East Evans Creek Fire as crews caught new spot fires and breaches of control line today. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters continued adding depth to mop-up operations throughout the day. Cloud cover helped to naturally decrease fire behavior and resources pushed forward on connecting and strengthening fireline. Wind created new spot fires, all of which were caught at small sizes, and containment on the main fire has increased to 17%. The Board Mountain spot fire remains the most active portion of the incident. Resources assigned to the southern portion caught fire crossing the control line using heavy equipment and helicopters. Structural resources continued suppression efforts by providing a continuous water supply. On the Canyon Creek spot fire, aircraft and firefighters quickly responded to new spots in the area and will continue to do so throughout the night. Crews are nearing 100-feet mop-up into the spot fire interior northwest of Hull Mountain. ...Read more

Spot Fires Contained during Fight against Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires

Firefighters quickly caught and contained new fire activity while strengthening containment lines and expanding mop-up operations on both the Waldo and Ridge Vista fires. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Waldo Fire crews were quick to respond when three spot fires crossed the containment line, attacking and mitigating the new spots before they could become established. The main fire is estimated to at 31 acres. Firefighters also completed hazard tree or snag mitigation operations, eliminating one of the operational challenges crews faced. Tonight, two 20-person hand crews, three engines, two tenders, and a dozer have been assigned to continue securing the fire. On the Ridge Vista Fire, crews completed 30 to 40 feet of mop-up around the perimeter and have now mopped up approximately 15% of the incident. Earlier today, firefighters quickly contained the Lamont Way Fire, a one-acre spot fire confirmed to have originated from the main fire. ...Read more

OSP Responded to Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Highway 140

The Oregon State Police responded Saturday at 7:05 p.m. to a fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Jackson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a black Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Brian Jay Moore, 54, of Eagle Point, was traveling westbound on Highway 140 near milepost 6 when the motorcycle left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck the guardrail. Moore was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses reported the motorcycle was being ridden at high speeds immediately prior to the crash. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. ...Read more