Evacuations Issued as Firefighters Battle Wildfire Along I-5 North of Rogue River

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ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (Aug. 13, 2026) — Interstate 5 northbound is closed near Milepost 51, about three miles north of Rogue River, as firefighters respond to a wildfire reported along the highway Thursday afternoon.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said northbound traffic is being detoured onto Oregon 99 while the fire remains active.

The incident was initially reported as multiple grass fires along I-5 near Mile Marker 51. By 3:20 p.m., the fire was estimated at between 5 and 10 acres.

Firefighters are on scene and conducting an aggressive initial attack. Air Attack and two Type 2 helicopters were en route to assist ground crews, according to fire officials.

Officials are warning motorists to use caution in the area as firefighters and emergency vehicles are operating along I-5. Smoke and reduced visibility are also expected, and conditions could change rapidly.

Travelers should expect delays and follow posted detours while crews work to contain the fire.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

EVACUATION ALERT 6:12P:

🔴 Level 3: Go Now! ROR-053, JAC-052-B, JAC-043

🟡 Level 2: Be Set: JAC-052-A

🟢 Level 1: Be Ready: JAC-044, JCU-422, JAC-037, JAC-039, ROR-064

KNOW YOUR ZONE HERE

UPDATE 5:00P

The I-5 Mile Marker 51 Northbound Fire has grown to an estimated 100 acres, with firefighters continuing an aggressive response and additional resources being ordered to support suppression efforts.

Firefighters are making progress along the right side of the fire, where the line from the area where the fire started along the right flank is currently holding.

Aircraft are actively supporting crews on the ground, conducting retardant drops and helicopter bucket drops as firefighters work to contain the blaze.

Additional evacuations have been issued. Residents and travelers should follow the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information and updates.

Significant traffic congestion is being reported along I-5 and throughout the surrounding area. Officials are asking motorists to avoid the area and travel through only if necessary to help keep roadways clear for emergency response resources.

The situation remains active and conditions can change rapidly. More updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

UPDATE 5:45P

Firefighters continue an aggressive attack on the Fielder Mountain Fire, working through extremely steep terrain while addressing spot fires.

Crews are progressing hose lays from the bottom of the fire upward, while aircraft continue supporting ground operations with helicopter bucket drops and retardant.

Due to the complexity of the incident, ODF Incident Management Team 1 has been ordered. The team will provide additional management capacity while helping keep local district resources available for new initial-attack incidents. More information about the transition will be provided as it becomes available.

Fire size: Air Attack currently estimates the fire at 100 to 200 acres. Heavy smoke is limiting visibility, making a more precise size estimate difficult at this time.

Traffic Alert: Traffic remains extremely congested along I-5 and in the surrounding area. Please avoid the area and only travel through if absolutely necessary.

Stay alert and avoid the area if possible.

UPDATE 7:45P

The Fielder Mountain Fire is now estimated at 400 acres as firefighters on the ground and aircraft overhead continue making progress while the fire burns uphill through steep terrain.

Night resources have arrived and are actively engaging in suppression efforts. Resources assigned to the fire include:

15 hand crews
14 engines
7 dozers
7 water tenders
2 SFALs (single-resource fallers)

A total of 11 aircraft have been working over the fire, including two Type 2 helicopters, five Type 1 helicopters, Air Attack, air tankers and a lead plane.

Aircraft will continue supporting firefighting operations as long as daylight and conditions allow.

Additional evacuations have been issued. Residents in affected areas should follow all evacuation orders and remain alert for further updates as conditions can change rapidly.

UPDATE 8/14/26 9:30A