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Evacuations Are Lifted For Rum Creek Fire Area 
 
MERLIN, Ore. – The Rum Creek fire remains 83 percent contained with no new growth for a week. Seasonal patterns of mild temperatures and high relative humidity are setting in for this area, lowering risk for future flare-ups within the fire perimeter.  Suppression repair utilizing large, mechanized equipment and hand crews will continue throughout the Rum Creek Fire. Most repair work, including road blading, grading of roads, and contingency lines, is expected to be completed by Sunday or Monday. Some of the steeper dozer lines, including on the south side of the fire, will take a little longer to stabilize. For the safety of both residents and firefighters, please practice situational awareness and patience while accessing roads and recreation sites within fire-impacted areas.  
 
Evacuations:
As of today, there are no active evacuations in Josephine County.  Josephine County Sheriff's Office has canceled the wildfire Level 2 Evacuation alert for: North of Indian Mary Park, Stratton Creek Road, and West Pickett Road; South of Lower Grave Creek Road; East of the Rogue River; West of Hog Creek Road and Hog Creek.  Local road closures and access restrictions are still in effect. Closures reassessed daily. Visit Rum Creek Fire | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022 or call 541-625-0849 for updates.
 
Road Openings:
Three roads open today, however, heavy equipment remains in the area and firefighters are still actively working within the perimeter. Please stay alert and use caution. Reopened roads are:
• Lower Graves Creek Road 
• Stratton Creek Road
• Galice Road north to Almeda
 
Road Checkpoints:
Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and permitted users will be allowed through. Road blocks are located at:
• Galice Rd north of Almeda; 
• Peavine East Road at Bear Camp Road; 
• Peavine West Road at Upper Bear Camp Road; 
• Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); 
• Hog Creek Road at Galice Road; 
• Galice Road at the bridge by Grave Creek Boat Ramp. 
 
Recreation Area Openings:
 • Almeda Park
• Smullin Visitor Center
• Additional recreation sites are being assessed.

Please follow closures and call BLM at 541-471-6500 for additional information.
 
River status: 
The recreation section of the Rogue River is now open to boating down to Almeda County Park. The Rand Boat Ramp is closed. Day users are recommended to take out at Almeda. The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information.