Over 200 Personnel Working Upper Applegate Fire as Containment Hits 15%

Applegate, Oregon- Overnight, firefighters battling the Upper Applegate Fire made substantial progress, maintaining the fire at an estimated 500 acres. Located south of Ruch, the fire affects private lands as well as areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Fire containment efforts have increased, with direct line coverage at the fire’s edge now at 15%, while indirect lines remain at 70%. Today, firefighters will concentrate on securing the remaining 15% of the unlined fire edge on the eastern portion of the fire, a challenging area due to steep and rocky terrain.

More than 200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 27 overhead, seven 20-person crews, three engines, two water tenders, three bulldozers, six tree fallers, and a Rapid Extraction Mobile Support Team (REMS) to provide aid and assistance in case of injury. The difficult terrain poses numerous safety hazards, including steep slopes, hazardous trees, and falling rocks. Despite these challenges, firefighter safety remains a top priority.

Overnight, strategic firing operations were completed on the southern portion of the fire, near homes across the road. The operations, aided by high relative humidity, reduced the fuel that could have carried the fire and threatened the line. This area is now more secure.

Today’s weather may affect fire behavior, with temperatures forecasted to be in the high 80s to low 90s and slight afternoon winds. Firefighters will monitor these conditions closely. A Type 1, Type 3, and two Type 2 helicopters are assigned exclusively to this incident, with air tankers available as needed. Last night, aircraft operations were suspended for the final hour due to the presence of an illegal drone, creating a dangerous situation for both pilots and firefighters. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the drone operator. Anyone with information is urged to call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333.

Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation notices from Jackson County Emergency Management and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office remain in place for Zone JAC-436 and Zone JAC-434. More information about these zones is available here.

Progress also continues on the Highway 62 fire, which remains at 75 acres and is now 40% mopped up. Firefighters checked for hot spots 50 feet into the perimeter to ensure no smoldering material remains. Today, two 20-person crews, three engines, and one water tender will work on the fire, aiming to push the mop up to 100 feet in. This will be the final update for the Highway 62 fire unless conditions change significantly.

The fire danger level on the ODF Southwest Oregon District is moderate (blue), and regulations are in place. The public is urged to follow all current restrictions to help reduce the risk of fires in the community.