East Evans Creek Fire Mop-Up Continues, Lines Strengthened
Fire crews continue to work deeper into the interior of the East Evans Creek Fire, providing additional security and containment lines on the 15,705 acre fire. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, containment increased to 38% yesterday prompting evacuation level downgrades. Night shift Unmanned Aircraft Systems and handheld infrared cameras identified hot spots for day resources to address. Firefighters are still working near residences, and fire traffic is heavy along the roadways. Some resources are shifting to repair work and back haul of equipment and firehose from the fireline. Bull dozers and excavators are being used to flatten berms created during line construction and eliminate areas where water can pool. They will also be installing water bars on control lines to divert run-off during rainy periods, mitigating soil erosion and impacts to water quality. Aircraft remain available to support ground resources for aerial reconnaissance and water drops; tankers are available as needed. A local red flag warning is in effect from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. for increased risk of new fire starts. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.
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Search Warrant Served After Child Sexual Abuse Material Sent to Undercover Agent
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ashland Police Department served a search warrant Wednesday morning in Ashland. The warrant was served after investigators received over 2000 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) directly from an unidentified suspect. Potential witnesses and involved parties were interviewed, and investigators are working to identify the suspect. Once identified, criminal charges will be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office. SOCET served the search warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of Russell Street in Ashland. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined for further evidence of child exploitation. No further details will be released at this time.
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Ashland Police Lodge Armed Suspect in Attempted Armed Robbery Incident
Ashland Police Department officers responded to the area of the 500 block of Clover Lane for a report of two male subjects fighting in the parking lot of a nearby business Sunday around 3:30 p.m. The police department's Facebook page reports that, upon arrival, one of the subjects, later identified as the suspect, was still on scene. Another subject, later identified as the victim, had left the area. The investigation indicated that the victim was sitting in a van when the suspect approached, presented a gun, and demanded property from the victim. This led to the physical altercation that resulted in calls to 911. The victim and suspect appear to have known each other. The investigation revealed that two handguns had been in play during the altercation, both in the possession of the suspect, and both of which were recovered on scene by responding officers. One of the handguns was found to have been outfitted with a home-made suppressor. One shot was found to have been fired during the altercation, striking the victim’s vehicle, a van. Officers and members of APD’s Criminal Investigation Division identified and interviewed several witnesses and collected evidence.
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