Evacuations reduced near 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. 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: GET READY notification. The Level 2: GET SET to the east of Hog Creek is reduced to a Level 1: GET READY.
The Level 3: GO in and around the fire itself and the Level 2: GET SET south of the fire have not changed. Areas north of the fire remain under a Level 1: GET READY 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 stopping the Rum Creek Fire. They have established and held containment lines around the fire and are actively cooling edges through mop up. The fire has stayed within its footprint despite hot, dry, windy weather. There has been no growth on the east side of the fire for several days, with all areas mopped up at least 75 feet inside containment lines.
On the west side, interior pockets of residual fuels are burning in the Montgomery Creek drainage near the northwest edge of the fire. Firefighters are monitoring this area and have kept fire from spreading to the north or west. Further south, the fire is considered contained from west of Mount Peavine to Galice Road north of the Galice Resort. Firefighters will continue mop up on all edges of the fire as needed to keep it from spreading.
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 for the next few days. 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. 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 ignited by humans. Check local fire restrictions before starting any fire or barbecue grill. Make sure all fires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
This will be the last evening update for the Rum Creek Fire.
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).
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.
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