Wildfire Breaks Out Near Upper Applegate Road; Firefighters, Aircraft Responding

Applegate Oregon- Firefighters are responding to a wildfire burning in the 2000 block of Upper Applegate Road in southern Oregon, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The blaze, first reported Wednesday afternoon, is estimated by the Applegate Fire District to be approximately 350 acres in size and is moving uphill. Crews from multiple agencies have been dispatched to the scene.

ODF said numerous ground resources are en route, and air support is being mobilized, including multiple helicopters and an air attack plane.

No information was immediately available on the cause of the fire or whether any structures are threatened. Officials said additional details will be released as they become available.

Medford Alert will continue to monitor the wildfire and provide updates as they become available.

ALL EVACUATION NOTICES HAVE BEEN LIFTED.

ODOT released the following information: Fire crews are responding to a wildfire on Upper Applegate Road. Travelers are encouraged to avoid OR 238 in the Ruch area to keep the route clear for fire operations and evacuations. Do not park on the side of the highway

3:10P UPDATE: Upper Applegate Road is closed between Hamilton Road and Little Applegate Road. Avoid the area, use alternate routes.

3:25P UPDATE: Oregon Fire Marshal Mobilizes Task Forces to Growing Upper Applegate Fire

The two task forces sent under the state’s Immediate Response tool will bolster structural protection capacity for local crews. Full Article Here.

3:28P UPDATE:

EVACUATION SHELTER is Jacksonville Elementary School. 655 Hueners Ln. Jacksonville, OR 97530

SMALL DOMESTIC PET SHELTER is also at Jacksonville Elementary School

LIVESTOCK SHELTER is at the Jackson County Expo fairgrounds 1 Peninger Road, Central Point, OR

5:20P UPDATE: A 10 Tanker Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) is now working the Upper Applegate Fire

5:10P UPDATE: The wildfire that sparked earlier today has now grown to an estimated 350 acres, prompting continued sustained and aggressive response from firefighters both on the ground and in the air.

Crews are continuing a vigorous initial attack, with multiple air tankers dropping fire retardant and helicopters making consistent rotations with water bucket drops on targeted hot spots. The aerial assault is being closely coordinated with ground crews working to establish and reinforce containment lines.

To maintain momentum and suppress the fire overnight, additional resources have been ordered to staff a night shift, with fresh teams scheduled to relieve them in the morning. Fire officials confirmed that firefighting operations will continue around the clock until the threat is fully contained.

In addition to wildland crews, four structural task forces from local agencies are actively working to protect homes in the path of the fire, deploying engines and personnel in at-risk neighborhoods.

No injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities continue to urge residents in nearby areas to stay alert and be prepared for possible evacuation order changes.

6:45P UPDATE: ODF released the following statement:

Firefighters are holding the fire around 350 acres and minimal growth has been seen since our last update. The left flank of the fire is almost entirely lined with retardant and being followed up and work on be ground crews. Fire activity has significantly decreased on portions of the right flank. The east side of the fire remains the most active.

Resources that will be working overnight are arriving to the incident and will be working at the head of the fire, or the area where it’s been pushing forward on progress. Tonight, their goal will be to stop forward progression as much as possible and hold the fire in its current footprint. Structural resources are continuing to work around homes and provide protection.

9:00P UPDATE: Full evening update article here.

6/19/25 9:15A UPDATE: Full morning update article here.

6/19/25 9:30P UPDATE: Full evening update article here.