Firefighters Contain Overnight Wildfire Outside of Ashland

Ashland, Oregon– Firefighters have successfully contained a fire that started late Thursday night on Dead Indian Memorial Road, northeast of Ashland. The blaze, which has been mapped at 43 acres, is now fully lined, and its growth has been halted despite challenging conditions including steep slopes, overnight wind, and extremely low relative humidity. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The fire was initially reported at 10:15 p.m. near the 5400-block of Dead Indian Memorial Road, but it was later determined to be closer to the 4500-block. Initial responders included numerous engines from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District #5 IAFF Local 2596, and Ashland Fire & Rescue. Additional resources were swiftly ordered, including three 20-person crews, three engines, a bulldozer, and a 10-person crew. A wildland task force from Josephine County was also dispatched.

Currently, the firefighting effort includes six 20-person crews, two bulldozers, six engines, four water tenders, two tree fallers, and overhead personnel. Firefighters are focused on strengthening and securing fire lines, as well as mopping up and extinguishing hotspots that could reignite. Today’s conditions, including predicted temperatures of 104 degrees, single-digit relative humidity, and potential winds, pose a challenge and could increase fire behavior.

Dead Indian Memorial Road remains closed near the fire due to the large presence of firefighting personnel and equipment. Efforts are underway to open one lane with a lead pilot car, with the goal of fully reopening the road by the end of the day if conditions allow.

No homes have been threatened by the fire, and no evacuations have been issued. Evacuations, if necessary, are determined by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management. For evacuation information and updates, visit: https://protect.genasys.com/.

The fire danger level for today remains high.