Two Buildings Destroyed in 65 Acre Central Point Area Wildfire

This is an update to our previous coverage of the wildfire.

At approximately 3:13 pm today, a wildfire broke out near Table Rock Rd and Lagino Lane in Central Point, sparking a rapid response from multiple firefighting units. Jackson County Fire District 3 (JCFD3), Medford Fire Department (MFD), and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) all mobilized to combat the growing blaze.

Within the first 15 minutes, the wildfire expanded to 8-10 acres, posing a significant challenge to the responders. ODF quickly dispatched Type II and Type III helicopters for water drops, while numerous ground personnel worked to control the fire’s spread. Regrettably, two outbuildings were lost in the process, but authorities confirmed that no homes were damaged or destroyed.

The cooperation between the agencies was instrumental in containing the fire. Natalie Weber from ODF told Medford Alert, “Without the strong partnerships we have throughout the valley, we wouldn’t be able to stop these kinds of fires.”

In response to the potential threat to nearby residents, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies went door to door to evacuate the closest homes. A Level 3 evacuation warning was also issued for a broader surrounding area. However, as the situation improved, the evacuation notices were downgraded to Level 2 later in the evening. Early Friday morning, all evacuation notices were cancelled.

Road closures, including Table Rock Rd, were implemented during the incident for public safety. Fortunately, all closed roads have since been reopened, easing access to the affected areas.

Thanks to the firefighters’ dedicated efforts, the blaze was successfully halted at 65 acres. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, but officials have indicated that it is believed to be human-caused. This incident marks the seventh fire ODF has responded to since Monday.

Natalie Weber emphasized the importance of adhering to current fire restrictions, stating, “The best thing people can do is follow current fire regulations. Following the regulations automatically helps to prevent fires.”

As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the wildfire, the community is reminded to stay vigilant and comply with fire safety guidelines to prevent further incidents in the future.

Medford Alert will continue to monitor and update as new information becomes available.