Monday, two structural task forces, one from Central Oregon and one from Marion County mobilized to the Rum Creek fire in Josephine County. The OSFM has mobilized its Blue Incident Management Team, 12 task forces from Oregon, and Crew 30 from Clackamas County. In addition to state resources, the OSFM ordered four strike teams from California through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
Firefighters will continue to work on containment lines around the Rum Creek Fire. In the area south of Grave Creek, dozer lines are being constructed along ridgelines, tying to handlines completed yesterday. To the southeast, brush is being cleared along roads and dozer lines are being constructed to hold the fire west of Stratton Creek and north of the Rogue River. To the west, control lines are being constructed between Bear Gulch and Rocky Gulch. Besides the primary lines being constructed near the fire, personnel is working on an alternate line near Hog Creek as a contingency line if the fire crosses Stratton Creek.
Additional personnel is arriving to increase both wildland and structure capacity, including California engines working with OSFM resources on structure protection. OSFM will have five groups patrolling, assessing structures, and expanding structure protection plans for homes east of the fire from Hog Creek County Park north to Grave Creek. National Guard troops have arrived to help with traffic control and security for the fire.
On Monday, heavy smoke slowed fire activity by moderating temperatures and increasing humidity. The fire continued to spread through burning debris rolling downhill and making uphill pushes, gaining 1,924 acres. The southeast edge of the fire near Stratton Creek was most active. Firefighters successfully held the fire to the west side of Stratton Creek. Wildland firefighters made good progress toward establishing fire lines west and northeast of the fire, and near Galice. There were no air operations due to the heavy smoke.
Today, fire personnel will be monitoring the weather closely. If the skies clear, the fire is likely to become more active due to improved air circulation and higher temperatures. Increased fire activity may lead to torching trees, with the potential for fire runs, large column growth, and spot fires up to two miles ahead of the fire. Temperatures are also expected to be higher for the next few days before moderating toward the end of the week.
The Rogue River is closed to boating from Hog Creek through the Wild section today. A temporary process is in place to allow existing permit holders to access the river when conditions allow.
The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has expanded the fire closure area to include the area west of Interstate 5 and north of Taylor Creek Gorge west of Stratton Creek. southwest to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and west to East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is the Rogue River from Grave Creek Boat. Bear Camp Road is open at this time.
The Rum Creek Fire is now at 11,696 acres with 1% containment. At least three homes are confirmed destroyed at this time.
Here is the link to the current active evacuation notices in place due to the Rum Creek Fire.
Sheltering operations are at Josephine County Fairgrounds for those who have a need.
