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Red Flag Warning Raises Fire Danger

MERLIN, Ore. – Today a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. NOAA issued this warning for the Rum Creek Fire and other parts of southern Oregon for strong gusty winds and low relative humidity. Red Flag Warning conditions could promote rapid fire spread and provide resistance to control efforts on new ignitions.

Forecasters expect passage of a dry cold front this afternoon or evening. The cold front is forecasted to bring slightly cooler temperatures and gusty winds from the west to northwest. Rum Creek Fire personnel have established contingency lines further from the fire as containment features if needed. Containment lines are established along road systems as well as using old dozer lines from previous fires in the vicinity. Fire personnel will be monitoring the weather closely and watching for wind-driven flare-ups, especially along ridgelines.

In preparation for this frontal passage, firefighters have constructed both direct and indirect lines around most of the fire and have conducted strategic firing operations in critical areas. Mop up has extinguished the remaining embers along the fire’s edge near structures and on other sections of the fire perimeter.

On the east side, new lines are being built and fortified by strategic firing operations to keep the fire from spreading east from McKnabe Creek drainage. On Thursday, the fire made a push toward the containment line near Grave Creek. Crews initiated strategic firing operations in this area to reduce the chance of fire crossing the line. The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) dropped aerial ignition devices to ignite a steep unburned area near Ennis Riffle to reduce the chance of fire spotting south across the Rogue River.

The southwest edge between Mount Peavine and Bear Gulch was fired during night operations. Fire personnel are working to extinguish heat near the edge of the burned area. Strategic firing continues north toward the Rogue River on the west side of the fire to secure this section.

Personnel working for the OSFM continue to mop up remaining hot spots near structures, and are patrolling areas along Galice Road watching for possible spot fires caused by wind-blown embers. Firefighters are working on structure assessment and pre-planning to the east of the Rum Creek Fire.

This holiday weekend, 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.

Evacuations: No new evacuation orders or notifications have been issued. 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).

Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and river permit holders will be allowed through. Road blocks will be 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. National Guard will be staffing the roadblocks.