ODF Prepares to Transition Salt Creek Fire Back to Local Districts

Eagle Point, Oregon- The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Incident Management Team 1 continues its work on the Salt Creek Fire, with plans to transition control back to local districts. The fire, which is currently 84% contained and fully lined at 4,102 acres, will see its final day shift under ODF’s Incident Management Team today. As of 7:00 a.m. Thursday, command will be handed over to a local Type 3 team.

Despite the transition, firefighting efforts will persist, with mop-up operations remaining the primary focus. Firefighters have made significant progress over recent days, as indicated by the increasing containment percentage. Additionally, repair work is ongoing, with efforts to install water bars and rehabilitate areas impacted by firefighting activities.

Nearly 700 personnel are still assigned to the fire for today’s day and night shifts. This includes 25 crews, 20 engines, 12 water tenders, five bulldozers, and seven helicopters. Light smoke may still be visible within the fire’s interior, but resources will remain actively engaged.

Evacuation notices at Level 1, “BE READY,” are still in effect for zones JAC-316, JAC-317, and JAC-325-A. Any updates to these evacuation orders will be provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management. More information on evacuations can be found at Genasys Protect.

The BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the vicinity for safety reasons. Further details are available at BLM Oregon/Washington Fire.

The Salt Creek Fire, located 10 miles east of Eagle Point, was first reported on Sunday, July 7, shortly after 4 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.