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  • wildfire Wildfire
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Rum Creek Fire

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Unit Information

Medford District 
Oregon 
Oregon 
0 
Medford District 
Oregon 
Oregon 
0 

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 evening update for Monday, Sept. 5

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

Crews wrap up tactical firing operations on Rum Creek

MERLIN, Ore. – Night shift crews will spend tonight monitoring and mopping up from the last planned tactical firing operations on the Rum Creek Fire.

Today, firefighters continued strengthening and reinforcing primary and contingency lines in the northwest corner of the fire near the Rogue River, as well as in the northeast corner near Grave Creek.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday due to high temperatures and low relative humidity. Forecasted temperatures could reach 105F, which would be the hottest since the Rum Creek Fire started Aug. 17. These conditions could promote rapid fire spread.

Aviation resources supported firefighters on the ground with water drops on the fire, which was flanking at the far northwest edge of the fire footprint, and also on a hot spot in an unburned drainage in the northeast section. Aviation supervision was over the fire most of the day looking for any fire activity outside primary and contingency lines.

On the southeastern edge of the fire, containment lines are mopped up to a depth of 200 feet, and crews will begin gridding Tuesday. Gridding is the systematic search for remaining heat, smokes or hot spots by systematically walking across an area on parallel courses or gridlines On the west side of the fire, about half of primary and contingency lines are mopped up to 100 feet.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Office task forces have mopped up to a depth of 300 feet around structures from Galice to Almeda Bar. Task forces are steadily being released to support other incidents or returning to their home units. Members of the public should be aware that active surface burning and single tree torching could continue in the interior for some time until large fuels are extinguished or reduced to ash. Smoke may be visible to varying degrees depending on conditions.

Public safety: The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water and stay indoors or in a shaded area as much as possible.

Evacuations: Existing evacuation orders and notifications remain in place. 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).

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.

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.
Related Information:
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