Oregon Fire Marshal Mobilizes Task Forces to Growing Upper Applegate Fire

Applegate, Oregon- The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties in response to the rapidly growing Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County.

The wildfire was reported Wednesday off Upper Applegate Road, south of the town of Ruch. By 2:30 p.m., the fire had reached an estimated 120 acres and continued to grow, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Fire crews from the Applegate Fire District, multiple Rogue Valley fire agencies, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon Department of Forestry are actively working to contain the blaze. Several helicopters and two large air tankers have been ordered to assist with the firefighting efforts.

The two task forces sent under the state’s Immediate Response tool will bolster structural protection capacity for local crews. The State Fire Marshal can deploy these resources without invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act, aiming to provide rapid support before fires escalate.

“This is our third mobilization this month, a clear signal that wildfire season is here,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We need to do everything we can as Oregonians to be wildfire aware. This fire season has been devastating already with the tragic loss of homes in the Gorge and a second conflagration earlier this week in Jefferson County. Please help our firefighters by following local restrictions.”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notices for residents in the vicinity of the fire. Evacuation information is available through local emergency management channels.

The Immediate Response program is designed to surge personnel and equipment to emerging wildfires, aiming to prevent destruction and contain threats before they escalate into larger disasters.