Evacuations Issued as Two Wind-Driven Fires Burn in Josephine County

O’BRIEN, Ore. (Jul. 19, 2026) — Firefighters continued battling two wind-driven grass fires in southern Josephine County Sunday evening as gusty conditions fueled fire growth, prompted evacuation notices, and forced the closure of a portion of Redwood Highway.

The larger of the two incidents, the Ridge Vista Fire, grew to an estimated 8 to 10 acres by 7:30 p.m. after spotting caused by strong winds. The Waldo Fire, burning near Redwood Highway and Waldo Road in O’Brien, was also estimated at approximately 10 acres.

Both fires were initially reported Sunday afternoon. The Waldo Fire was first estimated at 3 to 5 acres, while the Ridge Vista Fire, burning along Block Ridge Vista, was initially estimated at 1 to 2 acres. Fire activity increased throughout the evening as gusty winds challenged suppression efforts.

WILDFIRE EVACUATION ALERTS (7/20/26 9:35P)

🟢 LEVEL 1 – BE READY to evacuate for the following: JCU-522, JCU-514, JCU-513, JCU-512, JCU-523

🟡 LEVEL 2 – BE SET to evacuate for the following: NONE

🔴 LEVEL 3 – GO NOW! Evacuate immediately for following: NONE

FIND YOUR ZONE BY HERE

Firefighters remained engaged in an aggressive initial attack on both fires with extensive air and ground resources assigned. Aircraft supporting suppression efforts included Type 1 and Type 3 helicopters, large air tankers and Single Engine Air Tankers. Ground crews were using Type 6 engines, bulldozers, water tenders and hand crews to slow the fires’ spread and establish containment lines.

Officials said a night shift resource order had been placed to continue firefighting efforts after dark.

Josephine County Emergency Management issued evacuation notices for areas affected by the fires. Residents were urged to monitor official evacuation updates and follow instructions from emergency officials.

A portion of Redwood Highway remained closed Sunday evening because of firefighting operations. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and check TripCheck for the latest road conditions.

7/20/29 UPDATE: