RUCH, Ore. (Aug. 7, 2026) — Firefighters made significant overnight progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire south of Jacksonville, completing fire line around the entire 282-acre wildfire as crews continue working to strengthen containment ahead of another day of critical fire weather.
Officials with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District said Friday morning that firefighters established fire line around 100% of the perimeter despite poor overnight humidity recovery. Much of the line was constructed by bulldozers, while hand crews worked through steep terrain and dense timber where heavy equipment could not safely operate.
Updated infrared mapping conducted by an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reduced the fire’s estimated size from 300 acres to 282 acres, reflecting more accurate mapping rather than a decrease caused by suppression efforts. Firefighters have also completed hose line around approximately 60% of the perimeter, allowing water to be delivered directly to crews as they extinguish hot spots and reinforce containment lines.
Crews spent the overnight operational period searching for potential heat detected outside the eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters gridded the area but found no additional hot spots beyond the established perimeter. Those areas will continue to be monitored throughout the day.
A large aviation response remains available to support ground operations, including four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters and two Type 3 helicopters capable of making water bucket drops. Air tankers are also available to conduct retardant drops if needed, with Air Attack coordinating all aircraft operating over the incident.
Firefighters are strategically assigned across the incident based on terrain and operational needs. Resources on the south side include one falling module, four 20-person hand crews, three engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers. The north side is staffed with one falling module, four 20-person hand crews, four engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers. On the fire’s eastern flank, where steep slopes and dense vegetation present additional challenges, crews include two falling modules, four 20-person hand crews, five engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers.
Although fire line now surrounds the entire perimeter, officials emphasized that extensive work remains before the fire can be considered secure. Firefighters continue to contend with steep terrain, heavy timber and hazardous standing dead trees while another day of critical fire weather is forecast across southwest Oregon.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for areas threatened by the fire. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management have issued Level 3 “Go Now,” Level 2 “Be Set,” and Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices. An evacuation shelter for residents and pets remains open at Jacksonville Elementary School, while livestock can be taken to the Jackson County Expo in Central Point.
The Woodrat Mountain Fire was first reported shortly before 12:45 p.m. Thursday after a vehicle fire spread into surrounding vegetation on Bureau of Land Management land along Woodrat Mountain Road near Ruch. Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Jacksonville Fire Department and Applegate Valley Fire District launched an aggressive initial attack before additional ground and aviation resources were requested as the fire expanded.
Numerous agencies from across the Rogue Valley responded during the initial attack, including Jackson County Fire District 3, Medford Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County, Illinois Valley Fire District and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area. Officials reminded the public that flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area, creating additional hazards for firefighters and nearby communities.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials said updates will continue to be provided throughout the day as conditions change.
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