West Jones Fire Breaks Out, 70% Knocked Down, Perimeter 50% Wet Lined
Emergency crews are currently battling the West Jones Fire that broke out in the 800 block of Jones Creek Road. A Level 3 - Go Now Evacuation Order is in effect for Zone JCU-422-B, and a Level 2 - Be Set Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zone JCU-422-A. According to the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, the fire is estimated at 8 to 10 acres. Crews are working hard and beginning to see strong progress with 70 percent of the fire knocked down and 50 percent of the perimeter wet lined despite hot, dry and windy conditions. One outbuilding, a shed was destroyed by the fire. Multiple aircraft are currently engaged, making bucket drops to support ground efforts.
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Fire Danger Level to Increase to High in Jackson and Josephine Counties
The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high”, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will increase to Level 2 Wednesday, June 17th, at 12:01 a.m. This increase is due to persistent hot temperatures and vegetation that continues to dry across Southwest Oregon. The change affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Thursday affects the public use of power driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, and weed eaters. The use of power driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season restrictions, contact the Grants Pass Unit at (541) 474-3152, or the Medford Unit at (541) 664-3328.
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ODF Continues Fight against Spencer Gulch Fire, Level 1 Order Remains
Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Spencer Gulch Fire despite another round of hot and dry conditions expected throughout the day. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews reported small spot fires and contained them. A hose line has been placed all the way around the fire. The fire has been held at 75 acres while firefighters worked throughout the night. Snag hazards remain a concern and will be addressed throughout the day. Two heavy helicopters, six engines, two water tenders, a dozer, and six 20-person hand crews are working the fire. The plan for today includes continuing the work completed yesterday, making progress on mop-up, and mitigating snags to strengthen containment lines. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations remain in place for, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Zones JAC-427, JAC-428, and JAC-436 for a three to five acre fire.
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