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Rum Creek Fire

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Unit Information

Oregon 
Oregon 
Oregon 
Oregon 

Incident Contacts

  • Public Information
    Email:
    2022.rumcreek@firenet.gov
    Phone:
    541-625-0849
    Hours:
    10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • BLM Grants Pass
    Phone:
    541-471-6500

Rum Creek Fire daily update for Thursday, Sept. 8

Rum Creek Fire
Publication Type: News 09/08/2022


 

Fewer evacuations for Rum Creek Fire

Containment increases to 44% on Rum Creek Fire
MERLIN, Ore. – Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has reduced or eliminated the evacuation notices for some of the areas near the Rum Creek Fire. Their evacuations are based on the system of Level 1 means GET READY, Level 2 means GET SET to leave at any moment, and Level 3 means GO NOW. Areas to the east of the fire, including the communities of Merlin, Hugo, Three Pines, Leland, and Wolf Creek, are no longer under the Level 1 notification. The Level 2 to the east of Hog Creek is reduced to a Level 1.
 
The Level 3 in and around the fire itself and the Level 2 south of the fire have not changed. Areas north of the fire remain under a Level 1 notice. For more detailed information, use the interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).

 
The reduction in evacuations is possible because of progress fire personnel have made on containing the Rum Creek Fire. On the west side, the fire is considered contained from west of Mount Peavine to Galice Road north of the Galice Resort. To the northwest, fire has consumed ground fuels on most of the previously unburned interior islands. This reduces the chance of fire flaring up and escaping past the fire lines to the north or west.

On the east side, nearly all of the fire’s edge is considered contained and has stayed within its footprint. Firefighters are monitoring fire lines and have mopped up inside all lines at least 75 feet. Firefighters will patrol and monitor the fire and continue to mop up residual heat near fire edges.  No further spread is expected along these contained edges despite hot, dry, windy weather.

Weather continues to be a challenge for the Rum Creek Fire. The National Weather Service has issued a combination of Red Flag Warnings and Heat Advisories through Saturday. High temperatures, low relative humidity, gusty winds, and an unstable atmosphere are expected, raising the potential for new fires to develop and existing fires to spread. Winds from the east and northeast are predicted. Personnel on the Rum Creek Fire will be monitoring the weather and fire closely, ready to take action if the fire attempts to escape the containment lines.

The public is reminded to be careful with fire.
Rum Creek Fire was ignited by lightning, but historically, most wildfires are human-caused. Check local fire restrictions before starting any fire or barbecue grill. Make sure all fires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch.

Evacuations: Evacuation orders and notifications have been revised.  An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).

Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Road blocks are located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44'56.2/123 40'35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. The National Guard is staffing the roadblocks. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and permitted users will be allowed through.

River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued at this time.