Upper Applegate Fire Grows to 830 Acres as Evacuation Orders Remain

Applegate, Oregon- Today, firefighting crews made significant progress on the Upper Applegate Fire. Mop-up operations along Upper Applegate Road were completed, which will notably reduce visible smoke from the road. Interior islands continued to burn, creating small columns of smoke, but the fire remains within containment lines.

The steep terrain and numerous dead trees pose the greatest challenges to completing the remaining direct line around the fire. Crews have installed hoses around approximately 80% of the fire perimeter. Direct containment lines cover 35% of the fire, with the remainder being surrounded by indirect lines.

A GPS flight conducted at 11:00 AM today mapped the fire at 830 acres. The mapped heat aligns with expected fire growth, primarily showing the fire backing down from elevated areas to existing lines. The aircraft used satellite communications to update fire operations in near real time, aiding in tactical decision-making. No heat was detected outside the existing fire lines.

Tonight’s efforts include a planned small burn out in the southeastern corner to connect the fire with containment lines. Crews will continue reinforcing hand and dozer lines on the north side of the fire.

A community meeting is scheduled for June 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at Ruch Elementary School, located at 156 Upper Applegate Road. Incident Commander Larry Kazakoff and agency partners will provide updates and answer questions from the community.

The incident has over 430 personnel assigned, including 18 20-person crews, six engines, five tree fallers, four bulldozers, and various overhead staff. Four helicopters, with additional helicopters and air tankers available as needed, were deployed again today. Resources remain focused on strengthening the fire line, particularly on the challenging eastern side.

Level 2 – BE SET evacuation notices remain in effect for Zones JAC-434 and JAC-436 as issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. More information on these zones can be found at Genasys Protect.

The fire is affecting private lands, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported on the afternoon of June 20, and the cause is still under investigation.

The fire danger level in the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is moderate. Current regulations and restrictions are in place, and the public is urged to follow them to help reduce fire risks in the community.