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At approximately 5:04p today, multiple Medford Fire (MFD), Jackson County Fire District 5 (JCFD5), and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), units were dispatched to the 4900 block of Pioneer Rd for a structure fire.
Upon arrival, crews reported a fully engulfed structure fire with spread to nearby wildland. Two additional ODF units were added to the callout and an ODF helicopter was activated.
Early reports say that ground crews estimated the wildland portion of the fire to be at approximately 1/4 acre. The ODF helicopter conducted water drops to assist on the wildlands side while grounds crews went on a defensive approach on the structure itself. It later assisted on dropping directly onto the structure. Command stated flames reached as high as 50ft on the structure.
Scanner traffic indicates that addresses directly near the fire were evacuated by authorities as a precaution. No large scale evacuations are active at this time.
At 5:44p, crews report all wildland fire has been knocked down. The structure is still fully engulfed, but does not pose a threat to spread as multiple crews are engaging it.
An unauthorized private drone was flying near the incident, which caused the ODF air support helicopter to climb out of the area a disengage from the fight. Law enforcement was made aware and is investigating.
Expect visible smoke from the area for the next hour or so as crews are dousing it with water.
Jackson County Sheriff’s personnel are currently searching for the drone operator.
At 6:06p, crews shut down air support as fire command stated good knockdown on structure.
9/13/22 UPDATE: A family member has setup a GoFundMe for the family that was effected by the fire.
Hi, my name is Shelby McNeil. This afternoon, while my family was celebrating my little sisters 16th birthday, their house was burnt to the ground. Everything inside was destroyed. My siblings lost all of their toys, their pets and huge parts of their childhoods. This is absolutely devastating for my family especially having five children still living at home. My mom and her fiancé Matt have their wedding in a couple months, the kids are starting school, and now they have to find a new place to call home. I want to support my family through this time by spreading love and raising whatever I can. Always be thankful for everything. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
If you would like to donate to the family, here is their GoFundMe link.
