Wind-Driven Blackwell Road Fire Burns 30 Acres Before Containment

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (May. 26, 2026) — A wind-driven fire that began at a commercial bark and pallet yard in rural Central Point on Monday rapidly escalated into a multi-agency emergency, burning an estimated 30 acres, threatening homes and prompting evacuation notices, fire officials said.

The Blackwell Road Fire was first reported shortly after 3 p.m. in the 8000 block of Blackwell Road. According to Jackson County Fire District 3, crews responded to what was initially described as a second-alarm bark fire that spread quickly due to strong winds.

The fire broke out as much of the Rogue Valley was under a High Wind Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Medford. During the height of the incident, a wind gust of 61 mph was recorded at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, conditions that firefighters said significantly intensified fire behavior and complicated suppression efforts.

Firefighters said the blaze was initially holding within the commercial yard area, but wind-driven flames soon pushed the fire east across Tolo Road into surrounding grass. Officials said high winds hindered firefighting efforts throughout the afternoon while crews simultaneously responded to downed trees and power line incidents across the region.

At 3:26 p.m., authorities closed Tolo Road east of the fire because of a downed power pole and active fire behavior. Minutes later, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notice for zone JAC-229 near the 8000 block of Blackwell Road, along with a Level 1 “Be Ready” notice for zone JAC-231.

By 4:30 p.m., the incident had escalated to a third-alarm fire as additional regional resources arrived, including a strike team of water tenders, multiple engines and brush units. A command post was established while law enforcement coordinated evacuations and traffic control.

Fire officials said several responding crews played a critical role in protecting nearby homes that were considered at immediate risk from the advancing flames. Authorities had not completed a formal damage assessment Monday evening and said it was still unclear whether any structures had been lost.

Agencies assisting on the fire included the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Fire Department, Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County, Applegate Fire District, Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District No. 5 and Jackson County Fire District No. 1.

At 5:35 p.m., firefighters announced they had stopped the forward progression of the grassfire that had been moving east toward Blackwell Road. However, officials said active fire remained in log decks and piled material near Tolo Road within the established perimeter.

“Barring a sudden change in fire behavior, we don’t expect to see the perimeter significantly expand beyond its current footprint,” fire officials said in an update.

By Monday night, crews continued mop-up operations around the fire, which remained estimated at 30 acres. Smoke and visible flames were expected to continue into Tuesday as firefighters worked overnight to extinguish burning material.

The Oregon Department of Forestry ordered an additional 20-person crew to assist with overnight operations. Officials said firefighters would remain on scene “for as long as necessary” to complete suppression work.

Jackson County Fire District 3 providing the following information update Tuesday morning:

Overnight conditions with cooler temperatures were favorable for firefighting operations on the Blackwell Fire. Crews successfully completed a containment line around the fire perimeter, and mop-up operations continue throughout the interior of the fire area. Smoke will likely remain visible as piles of material are broken apart, moved, and fully extinguished.

The property owner has been working hard to manage the material involved in the fire and is bringing in additional resources today. Fire crews and engines will remain on scene, maintain a presence throughout the day, and continue checking for any spot fires.

Potential thunderstorms today could bring additional wind, though temperatures are expected to remain cooler.

At the time of the fire, wind gusts exceeding 50 mph caused rapid fire growth and spotting downwind. Fortunately, the large field area the fire spread into, which was dangerously close to nearby homes, had been mowed and maintained. That defensible space, along with the quick actions of local residents and community members who stepped in to assist with heavy equipment operations, were critical factors in preventing the loss of homes. We deeply appreciate the members of our community who step in to assist during times like this. It is a powerful reminder of how connected and supportive our communities truly are.

There was damage to several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings within the fire perimeter, however, no homes were lost or damaged.

As the fire rapidly spread, brush truck crews were able to identify the fire’s movement and predict it was heading east toward nearby homes. Their quick actions and aggressive response were also critical in preventing structure loss.

We also want to thank our mutual aid partners, dispatch personnel, and the regional Strike Team of water tenders that joined the firefight and sent crews and apparatus to assist. Establishing a reliable water supply in rural areas without hydrants can be an art, and those operating in the water shuttle cycles did an outstanding job providing the continuous water supply needed throughout the incident. Between 11 water tenders operating during the incident yesterday and overnight pumping operations, we estimate that more than 1.1M gallons of water has been flowed, supplied mostly by an onsite water source and supplemented by hydrants.

This fire serves as an important reminder that there is still time to mow and reduce dried grass and fuels around your home. Wind-driven embers can quickly spread fire far ahead of the main fire front, especially during high wind events.

Please stay safe, stay prepared, and continue taking steps now as we enter the summer fire season.

Evacuation levels have been lowered by Jackson County Sheriff Oregon this morning. The Level 2 Evacuation Zone JAC-229 is downgraded to Level 1: Be Ready. The Level 1 Evacuation Zone JAC-231 is canceled.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.