Local ODF Team Takes Over Command of Board Shanty Fire near Grants Pass
Firefighters continued to mop up the Board Shanty Fire overnight, making steady progress bolstering lines and extinguishing hot spots. A local Oregon Department of Forestry Type 3 team took over command of the wildfire south of Grants Pass today. The team reported this morning that the fire was holding at 469 acres and containment had increased to 30%. Resources are holding the fire within its perimeter lines and have not seen any growth or threat to the lines. Crews have mopped up 200 feet from the line into the interior of the fire, with a goal today of furthering these efforts an additional 50 feet on all sides of the incident. There are 204 personnel assigned to the Board Shanty Fire today including eight 20-person hand crews, two engines, five water tenders, a set of tree fallers and various overhead positions. Aircraft are available if needed and a reconnaissance flight is planned for 2 p.m. to survey the fire. Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in effect for Josephine County Zones 436, 437 and 448-A. Emergency management has lifted all other notices. ODF officials encouraged citizens to help prevent human-caused fires from sparking by following all fire season regulations that are in place. For more information, please visit "swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions." ...Read more

Persistent Hot and Dry Weather Increases Public Use Restrictions Across Pacific NW

Due to July's persistent hot and dry weather, national forests across the Pacific Northwest have increased or implemented public use restrictions. Through these public use restrictions as well as high to very high fire danger levels, the US Forest Service is urging the public to be vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfires while recreating outdoors. Current public use restrictions can be found on national forest webpages or by checking at the local ranger district before recreating. Even if campfires are allowed, please consider whether having a fire is necessary. Forest Service officials have provided a few tips to keep yourself, your family and communities safe as fire season ramps up in Oregon and Washington. Stay vigilant if wildfires are burning in your area or near your community. Know that conditions can change quickly. Adhere to local fire restrictions. Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county. Become familiar with the three evacuation levels. Know where to find up-to-date evacuation information for your area. Make a plan to keep your family safe. Even if some areas of the Pacific Northwest may experience cooler weather than normal, fire danger levels will remain high to very high because already dried fuels remain susceptible to ignition sources. ...Read more

Britt Festival Offering Discounted Concert Tickets for 3 Shows to Local Firefighters

Britt Music & Arts Festivals is proud to announce its second year of a special initiative to recognize and express gratitude to the region's courageous firefighters and other fire personnel who play an integral role in protecting our community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering discounted lawn tickets to three upcoming shows. The shows include Dirtwire on July 25th, DISPATCH on July 29th and Taj Mahal & Steve Earle on July 31st. For these concerts, the price of each ticket will be reduced to a flat rate of $25, with a four-ticket limit per firefighter per show. To redeem their tickets, firefighters and other fire personnel can visit the Britt Main Office at 216 West Main Street in Medford or call the Britt Box Office at (541)-773-6077. Please be prepared to provide an agency ID or other proof of employment to receive the discount. Britt extends its heartfelt thanks to these brave individuals for their unwavering dedication and service. ...Read more