At approximately 12:38 pm today, fire crews were dispatched to respond to reports of a new wildfire that has broken out in rural Josephine County. The situation has prompted immediate action from both the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Rural Metro.
The wildfire is located on Hog Creek Road, situated northwest of Merlin. In light of the potential danger, numerous fire engines have been mobilized and are currently en route to the scene. Additionally, an ODF Type 2 helicopter, based in Grants Pass, has been deployed to aid in the firefighting efforts from the air.
As the situation unfolds, more updates will be provided once the firefighters have arrived on the scene and assessed the situation.
1:25p ODF reports that firefighters are on scene and estimate the fire to be 1/100th of an acre. An ODF Type 2 helicopter has been conducting water bucket drops and firefighters on the ground are beginning an aggressive initial attack. The fire is moving slowly at this time.
Final Update: The Hog Creek Fire is now 100% lined and 60% mopped up. It was caught at a very small size of an estimated 1/100th of an acre. Firefighters will be on scene until the fire is entirely mopped up. The cause will be under investigation.
Medford Alert will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further details as they become available.
Source: ODF
