Air and Ground Crews Battle Wildfire Near Grants Pass

Grants Pass, Oregon- Fire crews are battling a fast-moving wildfire that broke out Friday evening at the end of Spalding Avenue, east of Grants Pass, the Oregon Department of Forestry said.

ODF reported the fire around 7 p.m. at roughly a quarter-acre in size, but it grew quickly as crews rushed to the scene. By 7:10 p.m., officials estimated the blaze at about two acres. Additional firefighters arrived to attack the flames from multiple locations, and air resources were called in, including an air attack plane from Medford and a Type 1 helicopter out of Ashland.

As of 7:35 p.m., the fire had expanded to between 3 and 5 acres, but its rate of spread had slowed, ODF said. Multiple engines remain on scene or en route, while helicopters from Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland continue dropping water. Aircraft are expected to work the fire until dark, or until they are no longer needed.

Josephine County officials issued Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation advisories for Zones GRA-117 and GRA-147 as a precaution. Residents in those areas are urged to prepare for possible evacuation and monitor updates.

As of 7:49P, approximately 5,500 Grants Pass area Pacific Power customers are without power as a result of ongoing firefighting efforts.

Officials also urged the public to avoid the Spalding Avenue area to give firefighters safe and unobstructed access.

No immediate reports of injuries or threatened structures were available. Medford Alert News will provide updates as further confirmed information becomes available.

8:10P ODF released the following update:

Firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the fire and are continuing to work on building line around it. Aircraft have been released and ground resources are engaged and beginning mop-up operations.

Tonight, resources have been ordered for a night shift, including one 20-person crew, three engines and a water tender.

Power is currently out to the area as firefighters work.

Power will be restored as soon as it’s safe to do so.