Firefighters Battle 72 Lightning-Caused Fires Across Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon Wildfires — *ODF: Neil Creek Fire Air Tanker Drop*

Medford, Oregon- Firefighters continued aggressive initial attacks Tuesday on dozens of wildfires sparked by thunderstorms across Jackson and Josephine counties, as Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officials confirmed at least 72 fires burning on ODF-protected land.

The fires began after a strong thunderstorm system swept through southern Oregon on Monday night. While crews made notable progress on many of the larger fires, new reports of smoke and fire continued to surface throughout the day. The scale and complexity of the response prompted the ODF Southwest Oregon District to call in reinforcements.

Due to the high volume of incidents, potential for holdover fires, and forecasted dry lightning overnight, ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 is set to mobilize Wednesday morning from across the state. The incoming team will assume command of a portion of the fires to relieve local crews, expand personnel capacity, and boost operational efficiency.

“Our firefighters have been working around the clock to keep these fires as small as we can, but resources are becoming limited, especially with other incidents across Oregon and the country competing for the same emergency response professionals,” said Dan Quinones, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Bringing in ODF IMT 3 will allow us to regain our strength locally, handing some of these fires off to firefighters who hold the same drive to take them off the map as quickly as possible. Protecting our communities and putting out fires remain our top priorities.”

Largest Fires Across the District:

Heppsie Mountain Fire: Burning south of Highway 140, the blaze is now estimated at 40 acres. Firefighters have lined 50% of its perimeter. Engines, aircraft, and bulldozers remain actively engaged. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices are in place for zones JAC-325-B and JAC-326.

Poole Hill Fire: Located just south of the Heppsie Mountain Fire, this fire is estimated at 12 to 15 acres. Crews have lined 80% of its perimeter. Additional personnel and equipment are arriving tonight. Evacuation notices mirror those for the Heppsie Mountain Fire.

Pompadour Fire: Located east of Ashland near Pompadour Drive and East Nevada Street, the fire was held at 38 acres. Crews completed full containment and mop-up operations earlier today. Resources from this fire have been reassigned.

Deming Gulch Fire: Burning northeast of Buncom, the fire is estimated at 350 acres. Engines and bulldozers are working to construct containment lines. No evacuations have been issued.

Neil Creek Road Fire: Located south of Ashland near mile marker 10 on Interstate 5, the fire has been held at 35 acres thanks to successful retardant drops. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations are in effect for zone JAC-543, and Level 2 “Be Set” orders are in place for zones JAC-536, JAC-542, and JAC-558.

Jim Me Peak Fire: This remote fire south of Applegate is estimated at 30 acres. Firefighters launched an aggressive overnight attack, with multiple 20-person crews, bulldozers, and engines assigned.

Palmer Peak Fire: Southeast of Jim Me Peak, this fire is estimated at 20 acres. Ground and air resources are actively engaged in suppression efforts.

Numerous smaller fires have already been fully lined and mopped up, with most of the remaining active fires ranging from 0.1 to 10 acres. Firefighters have relied heavily on reconnaissance flights and real-time detection cameras to identify and prioritize new starts throughout the rugged and elevated terrain where many lightning strikes occurred.

Aircraft have been instrumental in slowing fire spread and giving crews the opportunity to gain access in difficult terrain. The ODF Southwest Oregon Detection Center has supported operations by monitoring strike zones and confirming fire reports when aircraft were unavailable.

ODF continues to coordinate efforts with federal partners, including the U.S. Forest Service’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management, along with county and municipal fire agencies. Officials say the response reflects the integrated wildfire management strategy across southern Oregon.

As high fire danger continues, authorities urge the public to comply with all current fire restrictions to prevent human-caused ignitions. Full restrictions are available at https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

Evacuation details and updates can be found at https://protect.genasys.com/.