Firefighters Hold East Evans Creek Fire Control Lines despite Critical Fire Weather
Gusty winds and high temperatures continue to fuel East Evans Creek Fire, while firefighters continue to hold all control lines. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews engaged in an aggressive response to increased fire behavior on the northwestern side of the blaze, with aircraft playing a large role. Watch Duty reports the fire is 5% contained. The fire is currently estimated at 3,152 acres. Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources remain focused on protecting impacted homes, while wildland firefighters continue to focus on constructing fireline directly against the fire's edge. Unified Command is receiving support from Pacific Power teams on the response to the East Evans Creek Fire. As people are returning to their homes, Pacific Power will continue to coordinate with the incident management team on restoring power as it is safe to do so. For more information on outage restoration times, please visit www.pacificpower.net/outages. Unseasonably dry wildland fuels, in combination with continuous critical fire weather this week and a heightened potential for lightning, is an added challenge for firefighters. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports an evacuation shelter for residents and domestic pets is still in place at Hanby Middle School, 806 6th Avenue, Gold Hill. All livestock can be taken to the Jackson County Expo, 21 Peninger Road in Central Point.
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Council to Discuss Lodging Tax, Tourism Grant Program, Owl Plaza before Executive Session
The Grants Pass City Council is scheduled to meet for their workshop to discuss tax allocation and tourism following presentations, then meet in Executive Session Monday morning. The meeting, starting at 11:45 a.m. will begin with a Lodging Tax allocation presentation. Council will hear a review of the Tourism Grant Program, then hold a discussion for the Owl Plaza. An agenda review will follow covering Wednesday's business meeting, and any potential items to be added to the calendar. Council will then adjourn the meeting and reconvene in Executive Session for labor negotiations. The public is welcome to attend the workshop in person or virtually by going to www.grantspassoregon.gov.
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Task Force Busts Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area
The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant today at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. According to a press release, IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, a half-pound of psilocybin mushrooms, and three and a half pounds of THC extract. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at the location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Oregon State Police. Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations.
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