This is a developing incident. Medford Alert will continue to monitor and update as new information becomes available. Scroll to the bottom of the article for the latest updates.
ODF crews are responding to the Cheney Creek Fire, a fire located south of Wilderville.
Officials say due to the remote location, ODF is sending both of their Type 2 helicopters and a Type 3 Helitack crew. Numerous engines and additional resources are also en route.
ODF says as of 4:38p, the fire is estimated to be approximately 3/4 of an acre in size.
5:05p UPDATE: An Erickson Aero Tanker (TNKR104) has been activated and will conduct drops on the fire.
5:25p UPDATE: Firefighters are battling multiple spot fires in the area. Total, the fires are estimated to be 5 acres in size burning on BLM land.
5:33p UPDATE: Three 20-person hand crews and additional resources are being ordered for a night shift. Firefighters will remain engaged this afternoon and overnight. ODF also stated they have another helicopter and BLM Crew 10 enroute.
6:55p UPDATE: Unofficial estimate has the fire at 10-12 acres. Tanker104 will conduct one last drop before shutting down for the night. Several helicopters will remain engaged a bit longer. Crews on scene say the firefight is going well, a trouble-area of the incident has been significantly handled by ground crews, the last retardant drop, and dozers. Still very much an active firefight, however.
8:05p UPDATE: Cheney Creek Fire command were able to extend Tanker104 for several more drops. Air support has continued up to this point, with at least one more drop anticipated. Command is also creating a rough map outlining the fire. Scene will transition over to night operations shortly. Scanner traffic indicates that officials are satisfied with the firefight progress and are currently not concerned about any major fire jumps as dozers continue to live the fire.
8:33p UPDATE: Command will focus the last three air bucket water drops of the night on the northeast corner of the fire. All air support expected to end in approximately 20 minutes.
8:44p UPDATE: All aircraft have cleared the incident for the night and are returning back to their respective bases. Ground crews will continue to work throughout the night.
10p UPDATE: Numerous 20-person crews, fallers, engines, water tenders and bulldozers will remain engaged on the fire overnight. ODF says a glow may be seen from the valley, however the fire is well staffed and good progress continues to be made. The next official update is expected tomorrow morning.
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