Upper Applegate Fire Grows to 500+ Acres, Highway 62 Fire Halted

Medford, Oregon- Firefighters are making significant progress on two wildfires in Jackson County that were reported within 15 minutes of each other on Thursday afternoon. The Highway 62 Fire, located south of Shady Cove, remains at 75 acres. It is 100% lined and 60% plumbed with fire hoses for water access, impacting both private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

The Upper Applegate Fire, situated south of Ruch, presents more challenges. This morning, it is estimated at over 500 acres, burning on steep terrain that affects private, BLM, and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Firefighters are focusing on building and strengthening fire lines on both flanks of this fire. Wind and terrain have pushed the flames uphill, resulting in a narrow fire footprint. Although most of the fire’s perimeter is lined, the eastern portion remains uncontrolled. Efforts are underway to secure this area.

Currently, 108 personnel are assigned to the Upper Applegate Fire, including four 20-person crews, two engines, two water tenders, and two bulldozers. Three helicopters, one each of Type 1, 2, and 3, are dedicated to this fire, with additional aircraft on standby as needed. Approximately a dozen homes were protected from the fire overnight, and structure protection remains a priority.

On the Highway 62 Fire, the goal is to connect hoses across the entire fire area to facilitate mop-up operations. More than 100 personnel are working on this fire today, including four 20-person crews, four engines, and two water tenders. Aircraft support is available but likely unnecessary. Evacuation notices for Zone JAC-164, issued by Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, have been lifted.

Hot temperatures, winds, and low humidity are expected to fuel fire behavior today. Firefighters are preparing for these conditions. Both fires present hazards, including falling trees and steep terrain. Safety remains the top priority.

Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notices are in effect for the Upper Applegate Fire for Zones JAC-436 and JAC-434. These zones include Little Applegate Rd, west of Upper Applegate Rd, eastern portions of Sterling Creek Rd, Jacksonville, and Eastside Rd south of Little Applegate Rd to north of McKee Bridge, Jacksonville.

The response to these fires includes multiple agencies such as ODF, BLM, USFS, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District 4 (Shady Cove), and the Rogue Valley Wildland Strike Team and Task Force. This collaborative effort highlights the strong interagency cooperation within the Rogue Valley to protect communities.

The fire danger level in the ODF Southwest Oregon District is currently moderate (blue), and specific regulations are in place. Residents are urged to follow all restrictions to reduce the risk of fires. For more information on fire season regulations, visit http://www.swofire.com.