ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (Aug. 14, 2026) — Firefighters completed line around approximately 70% of the Fielder Mountain Fire overnight as crews continued an aggressive suppression effort on a blaze that has burned an estimated 550 acres near Interstate 5.
The fire remained 0% contained Friday morning, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. Crews worked through the night building hand and dozer line, with hose lays progressing uphill to support suppression operations.
Fire behavior decreased around 1 a.m. Friday as temperatures cooled, relative humidity increased and winds became less gusty. The improved conditions allowed firefighters to make progress following a day of hot, windy weather and active spotting.
Warm and gusty conditions are expected to return Friday. Fire officials said the primary objective is to complete line around the fire while strengthening existing containment lines and extending hose farther uphill.
Friday’s aviation resources include four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter and two air-attack platforms. Ground resources include 10 20-person hand crews, 10 Type 6 engines, five water tenders, five dozers, two single-resource fallers and one falling module.
No structures have been reported lost. A structural task force has been assigned to the incident Friday.
Incident management team taking command
The Oregon Department of Forestry ordered Incident Management Team 1 on Thursday because of the fire’s complexity and behavior.
The team is scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon for a briefing and assume command at 6 p.m. The transition will allow Southwest Oregon District resources to become available for new initial-attack incidents, particularly as thunderstorms are possible in the coming days.
The Fielder Mountain Fire began shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, after ODF Southwest Oregon District, Rogue River Fire District, Grants Pass Fire Rescue and Rural Metro Fire responded to reports of grass fires along northbound Interstate 5 near Milepost 51.
Initial reports indicated that tires on a semi-truck were on fire and that flames had spread into nearby vegetation. The official cause remains under investigation.
Firefighters from numerous agencies across the Rogue Valley and surrounding region responded Thursday, battling the fire amid steep terrain, hot temperatures, strong winds and spot fires.
Agencies involved included the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Rogue River Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Jacksonville Fire, Ashland Fire & Rescue, Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire Districts 1, 3 and 5, Medford Fire and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Evacuations remain in place
An evacuation shelter for people and pets is available at North Middle School, 1725 NW Highland Ave. in Grants Pass.
People needing additional medical care or assistance can call 541-776-7206.
A livestock shelter is available at the Jackson County Expo, 21 Peninger Road in Central Point. Livestock assistance is available at 541-864-0546.
Officials are asking the public to avoid the fire area and give firefighters and emergency vehicles room to operate.
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