ODF, JCFD 1, Rural Metro Hold Foothill Boulevard Fire at 2 Acres
Oregon Department of Forestry crews, alongside Jackson County Fire District 1 and Rural Metro Fire responded to and halted forward progress on the Foothill Boulevard Fire Wednesday. According to the Southwest Oregon District, the blaze was first reported to be an estimated quarter-acre grass fire in Rogue River. It spread at a moderate rate of speed, and firefighters conducted an aggressive initial attack. Suppression continued as additional resources arrived. Forward progress on the fire was halted around 4:20 p.m. despite spotting activity that carried flames across Interstate 5. It was estimated at 2 acres, and further progress was made. Crews shifted their focus to extinguishing hot spots within the fire's interior and strengthening containment lines. As of 6 p.m., crews were still actively engaged, gridding the fire and conducting mop-up operations. They will continue working to extinguish remaining heat to prevent further spread. Initial reports indicate equipment use as the cause of the fire. Further investigation is ongoing. This will be the final update unless conditions change significantly. ...Read more

ECSO 911 Announces Successful Go-Live of County-Wide Public Safety Radio System

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) successfully completed the cutover and go-live of its new public safety radio system on October 6th. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the modern digital network is now fully operational, providing enhanced radio communications between the ECSO 911 dispatch center and law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services personnel in the field. For clarity, the project upgrades the radio system used by dispatchers at ECSO 911 to communicate with first responders. It has no impact on the ability of citizens to call or text 911. ECSO 911 serves as the primary public safety answering point for all of Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park. The new system’s public safety radio coverage footprint includes Jackson County and parts of Josephine, Curry, Douglas, Klamath, and Siskiyou Counties. ...Read more

ODF, Partner Agencies Tackle Opal Lane Grass Fire, 100% Wet Lined

Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District crews responded alongside partner agencies to an estimated half-acre grass fire along Opal Lane Monday. According to the department, multiple units arrived at the scene, and crews worked to establish an aggressive initial attack to stop the fire's spread. Thanks to these efforts, firefighters knocked down the blaze, which was estimated at one acre by 4:40 p.m. The fire is 100% wet-lined, and crews will continue mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the perimeter. The official cause of the fire is under investigation. This will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. ...Read more