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At approximately 9:25a this morning, reports began coming into 911 of a fire near 45A on northbound Interstate 5. Shortly after the initial call, additional reports of at least two more fires (one near Exit 45B and Rogue River Exit) were being taken by dispatchers.
Numerous engines from ODF and structural partners were dispatched, and immediately engaged in an aggressive initial attack.
While crews were working the I5 45A, 45B, and Rogue River exits fires, reports of at least one more fire were taken by 911 operators.
The fire was confirmed on the east side of the northbound I5 Exit 58 area. Crews were rerouted to assist with the latest incident. Fire was knocked down in under 20 minutes.
Unconfirmed scanner traffic had Oregon State Police (OSP) units searching for a RV that was towing a vehicle in connection with these fires, traveling northbound on I5. No official additional information regarding how these fires started is available at this time.
At least on fixed wing aircraft was used by fire command to recon the I5 corridor for any potential new fires. An ODF Type II helicopter was also dispatched to assist with spotting any potential new fires in the area.
At approximately 10:25a, command did report all the known fires have been contained and knocked down. ODF has multiple units staging along the I5 corridor as a precaution if any new fires ignite.
Here is the link to Medford Alert’s live coverage of the incidents.
ODF Update: All six fires have been caught and all flames are extinguished. The largest one was stopped at approximately a quarter of an acre.
Final Update: Firefighters are working on mopping up each incident. ODF have aircraft flying to do recon further north and so far, haven’t found any new fires. Crews continue to monitor these areas throughout the day.
Medford Alert will continue to monitor and provide any updates as they become available.
