ODF Makes Progress on Lightning Fires as Heat and Winds Challenge Crews

Medford, Oregon- The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed command Thursday of the Grizzly Complex and Neil Creek Road Fire as suppression efforts continue on dozens of lightning-caused fires burning across Jackson and Josephine counties.

More than 1,300 personnel are now assigned to firefighting efforts, with additional resources arriving to relieve local crews and assist on the growing number of incidents. Progress has been reported across the region despite increasingly hot temperatures, rugged terrain and gusty winds. “Increased temperatures, windy conditions and rugged terrain challenged crews today, but it was a successful day of safe firefighting,” said Incident Commander Tyler McCarty.

The Neil Creek Road Fire, burning just west of Interstate 5 near mile marker 10 south of Ashland, remains at approximately 250 acres. Crews completed dozer line work on the southern perimeter and continued mop-up operations on the north end. Evacuation notices remain in place for Zones JAC-536, JAC-542, JAC-543, JAC-546, JAC-558 and JAC-559 at Level 2 – “Be Set.” Southbound I-5 traffic is limited to one lane between mileposts 8.5 and 10.5.

Also at 250 acres, the Deming Gulch Fire northeast of Buncom saw continued line construction and hose deployment, with no evacuations currently in effect. South of Highway 140, the Heppsie Mountain Fire remains at 40 acres and is now 65% lined. Crews began mop-up operations and evacuation notices remain at Level 1 – “Be Ready” for Zones JAC-325-B and JAC-326.

Nearby, the Poole Hill Fire is being held at 11.5 acres with mop-up efforts underway. It shares the same evacuation zones as Heppsie Mountain. In Josephine County, the North Fork Deer Creek Fire east of Selma remains at 42 acres with no current evacuation notices.

Farther south, the Jim Me Peak Fire continued active burning in remote terrain, but crews remain engaged. To the southeast, firefighters completed line construction and began mop-up on the 90-acre Palmer Peak Fire.

Crews at the Holcomb Peak Fire southwest of Williams worked throughout the day to maintain and extend containment lines despite hot and windy conditions. Night operations are continuing on multiple fires across both counties.

Heavy aircraft support played a key role in progress across all incidents. Authorities reminded the public that drone flights over fire zones are both illegal and dangerous to air operations.

Since Monday night’s lightning storms, 72 fires have been confirmed on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. Many of the smaller fires have already been fully contained, but several remain staffed. Due to the volume of active incidents, updates are being prioritized for larger fires or those threatening communities.

ODF officials are urging the public to follow all fire prevention rules as high fire danger remains in effect. Up-to-date fire restrictions and safety guidance are available at swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions. For evacuation notices, visit protect.genasys.com.