Multiple Agencies Work to Halt Wildfire Near Cave Junction

Cave Junction, Oregon- Firefighters from multiple agencies held a wildfire east of Cave Junction to just over 2½ acres Saturday evening, preventing any damage to nearby homes and stopping the flames from spreading beyond their initial footprint.

The fire, reported in the Smith Sawyer Road area off Caves Highway, was first estimated at about a quarter-acre. Crews mounted an aggressive initial attack, with additional ground units and air support, including a Type 2 helicopter and other aircraft arriving quickly to assist.

By 6:05 p.m., firefighters had knocked down the wildland portion of the blaze while structural fire crews remained engaged on an active structure fire within the incident area. Helicopters continued water drops to reinforce containment lines and cool hot spots.

At 6:25 p.m., officials said the fire had not grown in size and no flareups had been seen. Crews focused on building containment lines and starting mop-up operations. Twenty minutes later, GPS mapping confirmed the fire’s size at just over 2½ acres, with the wildland portion 60% lined and 10% mopped up.

By 7:25 p.m., the fire was 90% lined and 40% mopped up, with no spot fires detected. Responding agencies included the Illinois Valley Fire District, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire–Josephine County, U.S. Forest Service–Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Grayback Forestry, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police.

Authorities reminded drivers to use caution in the area because of crews working along roadways. The cause of the fire is under investigation.