966 Acre Upper Applegate Fire Now 100% Directly Lined

Applegate, Oregon- Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire have made substantial progress overnight, completing strategic firing operations on the north portion of the fire. This strategy connected the fire’s edge with the hand line dug by firefighters, creating a solid barrier between the interior of the fire and homes further downhill. With this work finished, the fire is now 100% directly lined, eliminating unburned interior pockets along the perimeter that could allow the fire to spread.

Weather forecasts predict a temperature of 85 degrees with winds ranging from 3-13 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. As firefighters begin mopping up the north side of the fire today, they will be prepared to defend the lines against potential weather challenges. Increased wind may also lead to more smoke from the fire. Despite the overnight expansion to 966 acres, mop-up efforts have increased to 20%.

On the south side, mop-up operations have progressed over the last few shifts. Firefighters have reached 120 feet into the interior of the fire in some areas, extinguishing hotspots to prevent re-ignition in hot, windy conditions. Hazard trees remain a constant threat, with large patches of dead and dying conifer trees impacting fire behavior and posing risks to firefighters. These dead Douglas Fir trees are due to prolonged drought, higher temperatures, and decades of fire suppression. Firefighters are mitigating these risks as much as possible, with rocks also falling down the steep slopes, maintaining safety as a top priority.

Today, more than 360 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 13 20-person crews, four engines, three bulldozers, and eight water tenders. Two Type 2 and two Type 1 helicopters remain dedicated to the incident, with two Type 3 helicopters providing full-day aerial coordination. One Type 1 helicopter will be demobilized today as managers are confident in downsizing the fleet. As progress continues, additional unnecessary resources will be released.

Personnel will also hike throughout the fire area today to assess repair work needed after suppression activities. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a closure order for BLM-managed lands in the fire area, including Grouse Creek Road. Little Applegate Road and Applegate Lake remain open, but motorists should be cautious of firefighters working near and on the side of the road 24 hours a day. Fire-related traffic may impact the Provolt area, and drivers are advised to be aware when traveling on Highway 238.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management. Zone JAC-434 is on a Level 1 – Be Ready notice, while Zone JAC-436 remains at Level 2 – Be Set. More information about evacuation zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

The Upper Applegate Fire affects private, BLM, and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. It was first reported on Thursday, June 20. The fire danger level on the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is currently moderate, and regulations are in place to help reduce the risk of fires in the community. ODF recently announced that fire danger in Jackson County will increase to “High” beginning July 1, 2024.