APPLEGATE, Ore. (Jun. 14, 2026) — Fire crews responded Sunday afternoon to a brush fire burning in the Applegate Valley, prompting road closures and requests for residents to avoid the area as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
The fire was reported in the 500 block of Spencer Gulch Road and was estimated at between 3 and 5 acres in size, according to the Applegate Valley Fire District.
Officials said the fire was burning in flashy fuels, vegetation such as dry grasses and light brush that can spread fire rapidly under the right conditions.
As crews battled the fire, authorities closed Upper Applegate Road at Spencer Gulch Road to facilitate firefighting operations and ensure public safety.
Residents and motorists were urged to avoid the area between the 400 and 600 blocks of Spencer Gulch Road while emergency personnel remained on scene.
No information regarding the cause of the fire, potential evacuations, injuries or threatened structures was immediately available.
The incident remained active Sunday afternoon, and fire officials said updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
3:45P EVACUATION ALERTS:
Level 1 – BE READY to for a possible evacuation from the following areas: JAC-427, JAC-428, JAC-436. The 500 block Spencer Gulch road due to the Spencer Gulch road fire
5:00P UPDATE:
ODF: Firefighters along with our agency partners remain actively engaged on the vegetation fire in 500 block of Spencer Gulch Road.
The fire is now estimated at 10-15 acres and is approximately 30 percent hose lined.
Resources on scene include, 6 engines, 2 20 person crews, two dozers, type 1 and 2 helicopters and air attack.
Road closures remain in place for firefighter and public safety.
All evacuation notices are still active as of this last update.
AM 6/15/26 UPDATE:
ODF: Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Spencer Gulch Fire despite another round of hot and dry conditions expected throughout the day.
Crews reported small spot fires and contained them. A hose line has been placed all the way around the fire.
Firefighters are holding the fire at 75 acres after working throughout the night.
Snag hazards remain a concern and will be addressed throughout the day.
Two heavy helicopters, six engines, two water tenders, a dozer, and six 20‑person hand crews are working the fire.
The plan for firefighters today includes continuing the work completed yesterday, making progress on mop-up, and mitigating snags to strengthen containment lines.
4:15P UPDATE:
All previous evacuation zone notices have been cancelled.
Medford Alert News will continue to monitor the wildfire and provide verified updates as they become available.
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