I-5 Fire Mop-Up Expanded, Containment Remains 23% as Heat, Wind Return
Crews took advantage of favorable overnight conditions to expand mop-up on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire to 300 feet from the 100 acre fire's perimeter. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the blaze is still 23% contained. Today's operational priorities include holding the fire securely within established containment lines, continuing extensive mop-up operations, and removing hazardous snags throughout the steep, heavily timbered terrain. Resources assigned today include six 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, one Type 3 engine, three water tenders, one dozer, two skid units, one falling module, a reconnaissance flight, and additional aircraft available if needed. A reconnaissance flight is planned to identify any remaining areas of heat or concern. Another Red Flag Warning remains in effect today, bringing hot temperatures, gusty winds, and very low relative humidity. Firefighters are taking advantage of every opportunity to strengthen containment ahead of the most challenging burning conditions expected this afternoon. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Warning is still in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, JCU-422-B, and JCU-422-C.
...Read more
OSP Dispatched to Fatal Vehicle-vs-Elk Crash near Eagle Point
Oregon State Police responded to a fatal vehicle-versus-elk crash Saturday at approximately 4:42 a.m. The preliminary investigation indicated a white Kia Spectra, operated by Hilver Randolfo Perez Interiano, 51, of Grants Pass, was traveling eastbound on Highway 234 near Antioch Road near Eagle Point when it struck a large cow elk in the roadway. After striking the elk, the vehicle continued eastbound until it left the roadway and struck a tree on the westbound shoulder. Perez Interiano was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Kia, Eyda Ortiz Perez, 42, of Grants Pass, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The highway was closed for approximately four hours during the on scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Flights, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
...Read more
Industrial Fire Precaution Level Increasing to Level 3 in Jackson, Josephine Counties
The Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District will increase the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to Level 3 effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 5th. The Fire Danger Level will remain at Extreme. The change is due to critically dry fuels, numerous recent fire responses across southwest Oregon, and a forecast of above-normal temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds this week, resulting in multiple Red Flag Warnings being issued. High temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees in many locations, increasing the potential for new fire starts and rapid fire growth. These regulations apply to the 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF's Southwest Oregon District. Current public use restrictions remain unchanged under the Extreme Fire Danger Level. These include the prohibited usage of power saws, cutting, grinding, and welding of metal, mowing of dry or dead grass, and the operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine.
...Read more
