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Perimeter lines holding on Rum Creek Fire

 
MERLIN, Ore. – Firefighters continue to hold on the Rogue River north perimeter control feature, and are working to minimize the size of the fire footprint.
 
Since Northwest Incident Management Team 13 assumed command Sunday, helicopters have dropped more than a half‐million gallons of water on the Rum Creek Fire. Fixed‐wing aircraft have dropped a quarter‐million gallons of retardant. An additional helibase is being established north of the current footprint to provide additional support.

 “This is a full suppression fire in rugged country with heavy fuels,” said Eric Riener, incident commander trainee for NW13. “Our strategic plan is being implemented to continue full suppression strategies.”

Last night, crews extended operations to contain three spot fires on the south side of the incident west of Galice Road. Suppressing and containing spot fires continue today.
 
Continued aviation support combined with cooler weather and higher overnight humidity the next few days will allow ground resources to utilize more direct strategies on the Rum Creek Fire, including firing operations alongprimary containment lines to reduce the threat of the fire crossing the river to the north or east.
 
Crews are working steadily on the north side of the river to reduce fuels that could catch fire if winds carry sparks or embers across the river. Chipping operations have begun to remove larger branches and brush cleared fromroadways and firelines.

Firefighters’ primary objectives are to prevent the fire from crossing the river and keep the perimeter as small as possible between the Big Windy burn scar to the west, the Rogue River to the north, and Galice Road to the east. Primary line is complete in many areas and alternate lines are now being constructed.
 
Galice Road between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek is closed to non‐essential traffic. The full closure order and a map can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public‐safety‐and‐fire/fire‐and‐aviation/regionalinfo/oregon‐washington/fire‐restrictions

Weather: Temperatures will begin dropping today, with lows in the 70s expected Saturday.

River status: The river will remain open unless life safety becomes an issue and the open/closed status will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022 no later than 6 a.m. daily.

Closures: Medford BLM lands on both sides of the river between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek are closed. The only access to Grave Creek Boat Ramp and those accessing Grave Creek from Wolf Creek.

Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 ‐ BE READY evacuation notice for the areas south and west of the Rogue River and north of Bear Camp Road, including Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road. Level 1 ‐ BEREADY means be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. For more information, visit: https://www.rvem.org/Incident‐INFO/Josephine‐County