JCSO Upgrades Two Zones East of Fire to Evacuation Level 2, Four More to Level 1
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reports two Jackson County Zones affected by the East Evans Creek Fire are now at a Level 2: Be Set warning. Zones JAC-126 and JAC-149-B have both been upgraded. Level 2 means there is significant danger in the area, and those living in the zones should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. As of the latest report, the fire is at an estimated 5,370 acres. The fire is being driven by irregular winds and steep terrain, and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-127, JAC-131, JAC-149A, and JAC-158, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Search for Missing Man, Attempted Murder Case Under Investigation
Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded July 7th around 9:43 a.m. to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances. An official release from the department said that, upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation. The suspect identified in this case was Israel Wytcherley, who resides near the victim’s residence. Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass. He was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, First Degree Assault, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Unlawful use of a Weapon. While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release. Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred. Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds. Hecker was last seen wearing bluish grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer. The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest.
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East Evans Creek Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions, Acreage around 5,370
Crews are braced for another demanding day on the East Evans Creek Fire, as hot and dry conditions combine with the potential for gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update says extreme fire behavior and spotting created challenging evening conditions across the north, northwest, and northeast areas of the blaze, now estimated at around 5,370 acres. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reported that, due to successful firefighting efforts today, the Evacuation Level 3 for Zone JAC-148A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Level 2: Be Set. Zone 148 is no longer split into A and B sections. The entirety of Zone JAC-148 is at a Level 2. Hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, overhead personnel, and aviation resources ordered by ODF and the Oregon State Fire Marshal reflect the incident's complexity. Smoke from the fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. 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, and JAC-147, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.
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