Salt Creek Wildfire Erupts Near Eagle Point: Multiple Units Respond

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Near Eagle Point, Oregon- At 4:06 p.m. today, multiple units from the Lake Creek Rural Fire District were dispatched to a reported wildfire at mile marker 4 on Salt Creek Road, just outside of Eagle Point. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) units, along with air support, are actively combating the fast-spreading blaze.

The wildfire, currently estimated to cover 3-5 acres, is situated on Salt Creek Road, north of Lakecreek on Highway 140. Firefighters are engaged in an aggressive initial attack, supported by a Type 3 helicopter from the ODF already on scene.

Numerous additional resources are en route to assist in containment efforts. These include two Type 1 helicopters, a Very Large Airtanker (VLAT), a lead plane, and an air attack plane.

Residents and travelers are urged to avoid the area for their safety and to allow firefighters to work unimpeded. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

5:00P Update:

5:25P Update: Current estimates have the Salt Creek Fire at 200+ acres. 0% containment. Multiple spot fires up to 1/4 mile away.

5:45p Update: Current radio traffic estimates the fire to be between 300-500 acres. Still 0% containment. 105 degrees, 11% humidity, and 22 mph gusts of wind.

5:55p Update: ODF states the fires is approximately 400 acres. Additional air support is incoming. Winds are pushing the fire and furthering its growth.

6:28p Update: A Level 1 BE READY to evacuate has been issued in the Lake Creek Area: Zones JAC-316, JAC-317, JAC-319, JAC-321.

More information about evacuation zones and locations is available at: https://protect.genasys.com/.

6:35p Update: Pictures from the Salt Creek Fire, courtesy of Stephanie Bostwick.

6:44p Update: Medford Alert received info directly from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that as of 6:44p the ONLY active evacuation notices are:

Level 1: Zones JAC-316, JAC-317, JAC-319, JAC-321

Any other evacuation info being circulated is “inaccurate” according to JCSO.

8:00p Update: Numerous 20 person ground crews are arriving this evening. Command is requesting additional air support in the forms of Very Large Air Tankers (VLAT) and Large Air Tankers (LAT). It is believed 5-6 helicopters are working the fire as well. ODF reports that firefighters remain engaged on the fire and it remains an estimated 800-1000 acres. Aircraft will be operating until nightfall and firefighters on the ground will be working overnight. Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 has been ordered and will be in-briefed on the fire at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. This will bring in additional resources and support, allowing the district to remain ready to respond to any additional fire starts.

10:30p Update: Resources from across the state continue to arrive and are being strategically deployed to manage the fire effectively.

Efforts will intensify overnight as firefighters plan to utilize the cooler conditions to create a containment line around the fire. The goal is to keep the fire as contained as possible, employing bulldozers and hand tools to achieve this.

To enhance water access, hoses are being established throughout the fire zone. The fire, now estimated to cover 1,500 acres, saw significant aid from air tankers during daylight hours. These tankers created temporary containment lines with retardant, which will assist firefighters in establishing permanent lines overnight.

Additional equipment and resources are arriving and being integrated where needed. Firefighters will continue their efforts throughout the night to manage and contain the fire.

7/8/24 8:30a Update: LINK

7/8/24 10:00a Update: Jackson County Fire District 3 (JCFD3) is advising the public to avoid driving up Highway 140 to view the fire. Limited access from Salt Creek Road is already causing challenges, and additional traffic from onlookers is hindering resource efforts and potential evacuations. The use of drones is also strongly forbidden, as it interferes with emergency operations.