CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (May. 25, 2026) — A fast-moving wildfire burning in the Tolo and Blackwell Road area west of Central Point prompted evacuation notices Monday as crews worked to contain the growing blaze.
As of 3:30pm, the fire, identified as the Blackwell Fire, led the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to issue both Level 2 “Be Set” and Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices for residents near the 8000 block of Blackwell Road.
Authorities said a Level 2 evacuation notice was issued for evacuation zone JAC-229 due to “significant danger” in the area. Residents under a Level 2 notice are urged to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, follow emergency plans and gather essential supplies, including medications, identification and emergency kits.
Officials also advised residents to relocate to a safe place outside the affected area and notify family members or loved ones of their plans.
A Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice was also issued for zone JAC-231 near the same area. Under a Level 1 notice, residents are advised to remain alert to changing conditions, monitor official updates and prepare for a possible evacuation.
Emergency officials encouraged residents to stay informed through local government websites, social media, television and radio broadcasts as fire conditions continue to change.
People needing emergency shelter or evacuation assistance can contact 211 by dialing 211 or 1-866-698-6155. Additional information is available through 211info.org. Residents can also text their ZIP code to 898211 for assistance information.
No information on the size or containment of the fire was immediately available Monday afternoon. Authorities have not yet reported any injuries or structures lost.
Fire crews remained on scene as the wildfire continued to spread in the area. Medford Alert News will provide updates as they become available.
4:30P UPDATE: Blackwell Road (OR 99) is closed at Kirtland Road (OR 140) north of Central Point due to a fire. Traffic at Interstate 5 Exit 35 is also affected. Avoid the area
6:34P UPDATE: Blackwell Road (OR 99) and Kirtland Road (OR 140) have reopened north of Central Point. Fire crews are still working in the area. Use caution and expect delays.
6:48P UPDATE: Pacific Power is reporting an outage impacting approximately 1,070 customers in ZIP codes 97502, 97503, and 97525 due to a wildfire emergency de-energization.
- Cause: Wildfire Emergency De-energization
- Status: Monitoring Conditions
- First Reported: 2:23 PM on May 25
- Estimated Restoration: Before 1:00 AM on May 26
Officials say power was shut off as a precaution to reduce additional wildfire risk in the Blackwell Fire area. Crews continue monitoring weather and fire conditions before restoration efforts can safely begin.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for extended outages, avoid downed power lines, and keep phones and emergency devices charged when possible.
7:00P UPDATE: JCSO released the following information.
Out of an abundance of caution, evacuation levels will remain in place overnight.
• JAC-229 remains at Level 2: BE SET to evacuate
• JAC-231 remains at Level 1: BE READY to evacuate
Overnight roadblocks will remain at the intersections of:
• Tolo Ra. / Blackwell Ra.
• Tolo Ra. / Nellis Ra.
• Merita Terrace / Blackwell Ra.
Kirtland Road and Blackwell Road are open, although please use caution due to heavy firefighter traffic in the area.
Residents who were initially evacuated by first responders may now return home unless they feel unsafe doing so. Residents returning home should check in at the roadblocks and provide proof of residency.
All others are asked to continue avoiding the area while firefighters remain actively engaged.
The latest here:
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