RUCH, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2026) — Firefighters are battling a fast-growing grass fire burning on Woodrat Mountain south of Jacksonville near Ruch, where the blaze has expanded to an estimated 20 to 30 acres as additional firefighting resources continue to arrive.
The fire was first reported around midday Thursday, prompting a full initial attack response that included engines, a water tender, a hand crew, a dozer, a Type 2 helicopter, a Type 3 helicopter and Air Attack.
By approximately 12:40 p.m., fire officials estimated the blaze at about 5 acres as it burned uphill through grassy terrain. Additional resources, including a Type 1 helicopter, were ordered to strengthen suppression efforts. Aircraft conducted repeated water bucket drops while ground crews worked to slow the fire’s advance.
As of the latest update at 12:55 p.m., the fire had grown significantly to an estimated 20 to 30 acres and continued burning uphill along Woodrat Mountain. Additional resources from partner agencies were responding to assist with suppression operations.
Firefighting aircraft assigned to the incident include a Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 helicopter, along with Air Attack coordinating aerial operations. On the ground, multiple hand crews, dozers, engines and water tenders are working to establish containment lines and limit the fire’s spread.
WILDFIRE EVACUATION ALERT (12:00P):
Level 1 – BE READY to for a possible evacuation from the following areas: JAC-421, JAC-438 JAC-429, JAC-434, JAC-437, and JAC-427 due to the Woodrat Mtn Fire
Level 2 – BE SET to for a possible evacuation from the following areas: JAC-428, JAC-436
Level 3 – GO NOW! CANCELLED
An Evacuation Shelter for people and pets has been opened at Jacksonville Elementary School (655 Hueners Ln. Jacksonville, OR 97530)
If there are individuals looking to shelter that need extra medical care and/or assistance, call 541-776-7206.
SMALL DOMESTIC PET SHELTER is also at Jacksonville Elementary School. The Red Cross will set up an area on the property to accommodate pets.
LIVESTOCK SHELTER is at the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds 21 Peninger Road, Central Point, OR. Call EXPO livestock at 541-864-0546 if you need assistance.
UPDATE 3:15 PM: The Woodrat Fire south of Jacksonville has grown to an estimated 115 acres.
Firefighters continue making good progress despite very hot temperatures and challenging conditions. Ground crews, supported by aircraft, remain actively engaged in suppression efforts to limit the fire’s growth.
Additional firefighting resources have been ordered for tonight and tomorrow to help crews build on today’s progress throughout the operational period.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Please avoid the area and watch for emergency vehicles responding to the incident.
UPDATE (8/6/26 PM):
UPDATE (8/7/26 11:00A)
Medford Alert News will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
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