Firefighters continued to make good progress on both the Upper Applegate Fire near Ruch and the Highway 62 Fire near Shady Cove on Friday.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the Upper Applegate Fire remains an estimated 500 acres while the Highway 62 Fire remains at 75 acres with 100% of the perimeter lined.
The Upper Applegate Fire remains ODF Southwest's top priority. Firefighters have been able to build indirect line around 70% of the fire and 10% direct line at the fire's edge. However, steep, rocky terrain and hazardous snag trees are creating challenges for resources and slowing down progress. Tree fellers were working to safely remove these trees, which will allow crews to work closer to the perimeter.
The region's largest wildfire so far this year was staffed overnight with 153 people including six 20-person crews, two engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers. Numerous aircraft remain assigned to the incident as well including three large air tankers, one very large air tanker and several helicopters based in Medford.
Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in place for Little Applegate Road west of Upper Applegate Road and eastern portions of Sterling Creek Road along with Eastside Road south of Little Applegate Road to north of McKee Bridge.
The Highway 62 Fire was fully-plumbed last night, allowing water usage across the entire incident. Resources continued to work on mop-up operations while taking advantage of the naturally decreased fire behavior overnight. It was staffed with 53 personnel including two 20-person crews and one engine. All evacuation notices associated with this incident were canceled.
ODF officials have not yet determined the causes of the two wildfires, which broke out on opposite sides of Jackson County within 15 minutes Thursday afternoon.
