Nearly 700 Firefighters Continue Salt Creek Fire Battle

Near Eagle Point, Oregon- Overnight, firefighters on the Salt Creek Fire focused on securing existing firelines through intensive mop-up activities on the north and northwestern sides of the fire. Prioritizing snagging operations in this area is crucial to reducing overhead hazards as crews work to locate and extinguish heat sources or burning material within 100 feet of the fire perimeter.

In the southeastern corner, strategic firing operations continued, aiming to connect the fire edge to the established indirect fireline. Firefighters plan to resume these operations this morning, weather permitting. The objective is to eliminate unburned vegetation and material between the indirect fireline and the existing fire edge with low-intensity fire in this steep terrain, thereby creating a more secure line.

On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters quickly contained a small spot fire outside the fireline in the southwest portion of the fire. Overnight, the area was fully lined and mopped up.

Currently, nearly 700 firefighters are assigned to the Salt Creek Fire, including 26 20-person crews, 19 engines, nine bulldozers, and 11 water tenders. Today’s operations are focused on maintaining the fire within the existing perimeter. Although temperatures have moderated slightly, increased wind and extremely dry fuel conditions pose significant challenges. Firefighters are working to expand the area of cold black adjacent to the fireline.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more information, visit BLM Oregon/Washington Fire.

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. For more details on evacuations, visit Genasys Protect.

The Salt Creek Fire, located 10 miles east of Eagle Point, was first reported on Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The current fire danger level is extreme; residents are urged to follow all fire restrictions to help prevent further outbreaks.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.