Systemic Search for Remaining Hotspots Continues on East Evans Creek Fire
Firefighters continued steady progress across the East Evans Creek Fire Monday, with crews focused on gridding the area to locate and extinguish any remaining hotspots. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, firefighters took advantage of overnight humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations while an Uncrewed Aircraft System mapped remaining heat across the fire. The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% contained. Three chippers are working throughout the incident processing brush and small trees cut during suppression efforts. Crews are removing equipment from areas where it is no longer needed. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fire area daily until further notice. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal. It compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, all Level 1: BE READY to evacuate notifications for the East Evans Creek Fire have been canceled. All road closures are lifted but please be cautious as fire personnel are still in the area.
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JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Help in Locating Missing Man
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing person. David Wright was last seen at Jubilation Fellowship Church in Murphy on July 21st around 8:00 a.m. He likely left the church on a white Genesis mountain bike wearing a tan short sleeve shirt and plaid shorts. He is described as a 71-year-old 5'9" Caucasian male with white hair, blue eyes, and weighing around 160 pounds. It is unknown where David may have gone, however, he was seen on security footage at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:30 a.m. that same day. Anyone with information on David’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #: 26-20107
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BCC Meets for County Communication Discussion
The Board of Commissioners held a meeting to discuss County communication needs. The meeting began at 10 a.m., with the purpose laid out to cover department needs, potentially create a coordinated plan, and find out where coverage can be increased. It is yet to be determined if other tower sites can be added for communication coverage. The possibility to purchase property for added sites was mentioned, with another option to co-locate with other sites and lease the space. Day Wireless' recommendation to the board was to build out a controlled communication system as the base with a backup system. The ballpark cost could be around $5 million with added support services and no additional sites. To qualify for grant funding to support the ballpark cost, a P25 system would be required. Any users of the system must have digital P25 radio equipment. It was highly suggested the County have a primary and secondary form of communication. A list will be provided by Day Wireless of all considerations made today for the board to narrow down. Further collaboration and deliberation will take place.
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