Firefighters Hold Waldo Road and Ridge Vista Fires, Evacuations Reduced

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. (Jul. 20, 2026) — Firefighters made steady progress Monday on the Waldo Road and Ridge Vista fires in Josephine County, quickly containing several spot fires while expanding containment lines and mop-up operations.

Fire crews had prepared for increased fire activity due to conditions favorable for spotting, allowing them to rapidly respond to new ignitions before they became established.

On the Waldo Road Fire, firefighters completed 30 to 40 feet of mop-up around the fire’s perimeter while continuing to strengthen containment lines. Three spot fires crossed containment lines during the day but were quickly contained and have since been incorporated into updated fire mapping, bringing the fire’s size to 31 acres.

Crews also completed hazard tree mitigation around the fire, removing one of the operational challenges facing firefighters. Overnight, two 20-person hand crews, three engines, two water tenders and a dozer will remain assigned to continue securing the fire.

The cause of the Waldo Road Fire remains under investigation.

At the Ridge Vista Fire, firefighters also completed 30 to 40 feet of mop-up around the perimeter and have completed mop-up operations across approximately 15% of the fire area.

Earlier Monday, crews quickly contained the one-acre Lamont Way Fire, a spot fire confirmed to have originated from the Ridge Vista Fire. That spot fire has now been incorporated into the incident’s mapped acreage, increasing the fire’s size to 15.5 acres.

Two 20-person hand crews and three engines will continue overnight operations focused on mop-up and strengthening containment lines.

The cause of the Ridge Vista Fire also remains under investigation.

Officials announced that evacuation levels for the Waldo Road Fire have been reduced to Level 1, “Be Ready,” while all evacuation notices associated with the Ridge Vista Fire have been lifted. 

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