Kelsey Peak Fire Grows to 120 Acres, Evacuations in Place

Josephine County, Oregon– Firefighters continued to make progress Friday on a series of lightning-sparked fires burning along the Lower Rogue River Corridor, about 26 miles northwest of Grants Pass.

Crews reported steady improvement on the Mule Creek and Marial fires, fully mopping up Mule Creek and reaching 90% completion on Marial. Both fires were ignited Wednesday during thunderstorms that struck Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the area.

The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest and most active, estimated at 120 acres after hot, windy conditions fueled growth on its northern and northwestern edges. Firefighters conducted strategic firing operations to secure nearby roads and strengthen defensive lines against further spread.

Curry County Sheriff John Ward issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for Rogue River Ranch and the nearby community of Marial, citing the threat to BLM Road 32-9-14.2, the only access route out of the area. Oregon Department of Forestry personnel also delivered in-person warnings to Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and Marial, due to the remote location and limited response times.

The BLM Grants Pass Field Office has temporarily closed a portion of the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway, including BLM Road 32-9-14.2, to protect firefighter and public safety. The closure prohibits all uses—including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—and visitors are urged to avoid the entire Byway. Full closure maps are available on the BLM website.

More than 150 personnel remain assigned to the fires, including five 20-person crews, 13 engines, three water tenders and overhead staff.

Additional lightning fires burning farther downriver near the Paradise and Half Moon Bar lodges are being managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Coos Forest Protective Association. Officials urged the public to follow all current fire restrictions as extreme fire danger continues in the region.