Oregon Heritage Awarded Grants for SOU Plastic ID Study and Talent Town Hall
Oregon Heritage, a division of the state Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 20 grants totaling $300,000 for historic properties and archeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the "Diamonds in the Rough" category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of a property. The other 14 grants were in the "Preserving Oregon" category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and archeology projects. Locally funded projects include a Southern Oregon University study to develop a plastic identification tool. Another local project is preservation of Talent Town Hall. Potential future projects include preservation of the Caretaker's Cottage at Riverside Park in Grants Pass. For more information about the grant program, please visit "oregonheritage.org." ...Read more

Cooler Temperatures Allowed Crews to Hold Board Shanty Fire at 474 Acres This Morning

Cooler overnight temperatures have allowed crews working on the Board Shanty Fire to hold control lines and finish installing hose lays around the full perimeter. Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 reported this morning that the wildfire burning south of Grants Pass was holding at 474 acres with 14% containment. The perimeter of the wildfire is now completely lined. Firefighters continued mop-up on all flanks of the fire yesterday. ODF officials said extreme slopes continue to pose a hazard for burning debris that may roll across fire lines. Firefighters remain vigilant in assessing hazards and patrolling for spot fires in the area. Due to progress on the fire, the Josephine County Sheriff's Office has downgraded existing Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notices to Level 1 "Be Ready" for Zones JCU-436, JCU-437 and JCU-448-A. The Level 1 notice for Zone JCU-448-B in Josephine County remains in place, but it has been dropped for Zone JAC-068 in Jackson County. Incident resources devoted to the Board Shanty Fire today totaled 809 personnel including 31 hand crews, 35 engines, 14 water tenders, 12 bulldozers and 12 helicopters. Commanders praised crews for keeping the fire away from the emergency response radio tower near the top of the mountain ridge to allow communications to remain uninterrupted for local communities. ...Read more

District Board President Touts Importance of Coordinated Response to Board Shanty Fire

The president of the Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District said the Board Shanty Fire underscores the critical importance of coordinated fire protection and emergency response in the wildland-urban interface. Mark Jones said the Grants Pass area incident illustrates why the District's board of directors voted unanimously to enter into a formal agreement with Rural Metro Fire Department on July 7th -- just 10 days before the Board Shanty Fire started. Thanks to a fast and aggressive initial attack led by Rural Metro -- working in seamless coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry -- Jones said the fire was rapidly engaged, helping to prevent greater spread and potential damage. The successful response last Thursday afternoon was bolstered by longstanding mutual and automatic aid partnerships with agencies including Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, Williams Rural Fire Protection District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Illinois Valley Fire District and many others. Jones said the District's board thanks all the agencies involved for their dedication and courage, and they pray for their continued safety as they work to protect lives and property. ...Read more