Selma, Oregon- Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are responding to a small wildfire burning along Illinois River Road, about two miles west of Selma in Josephine County.
The fire, named the Shade Fire, was first reported by ODF and is estimated at about 1.5 acres. It is burning in grass and brush along the roadside, according to officials from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Crews from both agencies are engaged in an aggressive initial attack. One fixed-wing aircraft and an engine are already on scene, with an additional engine, a hand crew, and a Forest Service helicopter en route to assist.
ODF Southwest Oregon District is providing mutual aid support to Forest Service crews as they work to contain the blaze. Authorities are urging drivers to use caution and slow down along Illinois River Road due to increased fire traffic and firefighters working in the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials said more information will be released as it becomes available.
Fire officials provided the following evening update on the Shade Fire:
The Shade Fire is is estimated to be five acres at this time. One helicopter, three dozers, several engines, two hand crews, and multiple overhead personnel from the forest are on scene, as well as a crew and three engines from ODF Southwest Oregon District and resources from Illinois Valley Fire District.
The fire is displaying active behavior with wind-driven, uphill movement. It is burning in the Klondike Fire Scar with many dead standing trees (snags) that pose a threat to firefighters on the ground. Wind activity is increasing in the fire area.
Law enforcement is on scene to help control traffic on the Illinois River Road. Please avoid the area and give fire crews room to work safely.
Helicopter operations are underway. Do not fly drones in the fire area – allow pilots to work safely and assist firefighters on the ground as they work toward full suppression of the fire.
Thursday AM Update:
Firefighters continued working overnight to strengthen containment lines around the Shade Fire, which has burned just over eight acres west of Selma on the Wild Rivers Ranger District.
Aggressive initial attack efforts — supported by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District and the Illinois Valley Fire District — helped limit the fire’s growth despite active behavior on Wednesday afternoon. Helicopter bucket drops were used to slow the spread while ground crews built direct line along the fire’s edge.
As of Thursday morning, both hand and dozer line have been constructed around the entire fire perimeter. Additional resources, including the Stanislaus Hotshots, a Type 2 crew, and several engines, will continue working toward full containment throughout the day. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft remain available to assist as needed.
The cause of the Shade Fire remains under investigation.
Medford Alert News is monitoring this wildfire and will provide additional information when available.
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