Firefighters Shift to Overnight Operations on 300-Acre Woodrat Mountain Fire

RUCH, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2026) — Firefighters continued making progress Thursday evening on the Woodrat Mountain Fire south of Jacksonville, with the blaze holding at an estimated 300 acres as crews transitioned into overnight suppression operations.

Fire officials reported the fire was approximately 50% lined by 8 p.m., with firefighters focused on limiting its movement toward Sterling Creek Road. Heavy equipment, including dozers, played a significant role in slowing the fire’s spread, while the right flank and head of the fire remained the most active areas.

Aircraft continued dropping water and fire retardant through the evening until daylight operations concluded. All aviation resources were released for the night after completing their assignments.

As night operations began, officials said cooler overnight fire behavior is expected to provide firefighters with improved opportunities to strengthen and extend containment lines before another day of critical fire weather conditions. While overnight temperatures are forecast to remain warm, reduced fire activity is expected to aid suppression efforts.

Approximately half of the fire perimeter has now been lined, providing firefighters with a stronger foundation for continued containment efforts.

Night shift resources assigned to the incident include six 20-person hand crews, four dozers, six water tenders, three falling modules (FMODs), seven Type 6 engines, and one Type 3 engine.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area until further notice. Fire officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and poses a serious safety risk to firefighting aircraft.

Officials said no additional updates are expected overnight, with the next incident update anticipated Friday morning.