Rogue River Press

06/24/2025

Please be aware, 2 citizens from the Rogue River Area have now come to the Police Department regarding a phone call they received "claiming" to be out of Redmond/Springfield area claiming to be law enforcement regarding Jury Duty and the possibility of being arrested. This is a scam. I was able to speak with the "gentleman" on the citizens cell phone and encouraged him to come to the Police Department. He didn't like that and hung up. They tend to speak extremely fast in an attempt to confuse or convince. Do not engage with them, do not give or confirm any information they may ask about.

06/22/2025

𝘿𝙀𝘽𝙍𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝙐𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙃𝙄𝘽𝙄𝙏𝙀𝘿: Despite cooler weather and scattered light rain, debris burning remains prohibited during fire season, regardless of the fire danger level.

Debris burns now will not only cost you a citation and fine, but could land you with the responsibility of paying for the cost of putting out a wildfire, should it be started by your burn. Responding to these calls of illegal debris burns also takes our firefighters out of service should a fire be reported.

While conditions may not support fire growth today, debris burns can later reignite in warm and windy conditions, even after rainfall. With temperatures predicted to reach near 90 degrees and beyond starting Monday, there is a huge risk in starting a debris burn this weekend.

Help us prevent wildfires by saving your debris burns for the end of fire season and following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

06/22/2025

06/21/2025

Upper Applegate Fire UPDATE: All evacuation levels have been canceled.

Due to firefighting efforts and cooler weather, the final remaining evacuation levels for JAC-427 and JAC-436 have been canceled.
Know Your Zone go to https://protect.genasys.com/

06/21/2025

𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙂𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Progress on the Upper Applegate Fire continues to be made by resources working on the incident. On Friday, firefighters were able to complete the line around the fire and GPS map the perimeter on foot, determining the final fire size as 453 acres. Resources were also able to make progress on mop-up operations, increasing the completion of this work to 25% and bringing the total containment to 35% across the incident.

Cool, cloudy weather conditions were experienced across the fire on Friday, as well as some trace amount of moisture at times. Wind remained a challenge to resources, but more rain in the forecast may provide a natural helping hand to firefighters engaged in mop-up efforts. Tonight, that work will continue, with 127 personnel assigned to the overnight shift. Resources include four 20-person crews, six engines, two bulldozers and four water tenders. These numbers are slightly fewer than previous overnight shifts; as work continues and progress is made, resources will be slowly decreased in an effort to be financially responsible and match the current need on the incident.

In the wake of progress across the fire, the Jackson County Sheriff Oregon and Jackson County Emergency Management has decreased all Level 2 – BE SET evacuation notices to Level 1 – BE READY and cancelled other existing Level 1 – BE READY notices. All current evacuations and evacuation maps can be found on www.rvem.org/fires - residents can enter their address and find their evacuation zone and any related notices and information. While roads are open around the fire, including Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads, firefighters are still working in the area. Please be aware and cautious when traveling near the fire area.

The Upper Applegate Fire, located on private and BLM land on the 2000-block of Upper Applegate Road, was first reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grass fire. Applegate Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District initially responded and found a fast-moving grassfire that was quickly growing in dry vegetation, and was pushed uphill by hot, windy conditions. Fire agencies from across Jackson and Josephine counties, including structural departments, the BLM and U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, responded with an aggressive initial attack.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more fire information, including current fire regulations, visit our page, or our website, www.swofire.com.

06/20/2025

𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙂𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire overnight had a successful shift strengthening lines and making progress on mop-up operations, reaching the 10% mark. Resources were also able to connect hose throughout the rest of the incident, allowing for water access across the entire fire; this will greatly aid firefighters today as they continue to push forward on mopping up the fire. An infrared (IR) flight was not able to be conducted overnight, so the fire remains an estimated 470 acres.

An incoming weather system brought windy conditions to the fire Thursday night and early Friday morning. A chance of rain and thunderstorms is in the forecast today, and wind is expected to persist and even increase across the incident. Firefighters are prepared for the added challenge and are ready to respond to any new fire starts, whether lightning or human-caused.

Last night just before 7 p.m., a grass fire was reported on the 13000-block of North Applegate Road. Aircraft from the Upper Applegate Fire was immediately diverted to the new start; once on scene, the first arriving helicopter reported the fire was approximately two acres and spreading from grass into timber. ODF, Applegate Fire District and Rural Metro Fire all quickly responded with ground resources, including three engines and two crews contracted by ODF on the Upper Applegate Fire. With an aggressive initial attack and relentless water bucket drops from the Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters, firefighters able to stop the spread of the fire at just over eight acres. Resources worked on the scene all night and are continuing mop-up operations this morning.

Today, Upper Applegate Fire resources will also focus on mop up, extinguishing hotspots to create depth on the line and further progress across the incident. Tree fallers will be working again on the north portion of the incident where 5% of the fire remains unlined. As these hazardous trees are removed from the fire’s edge, the area becomes safer for firefighters to work in. More than 250 personnel are assigned to the fire today, including nine 20-person crews, one 10-person crew, seven engines, three bulldozers and five water tenders. Aircraft across the fire remains the same.

Level 2 – BE SET and Level 1 – BE READY evacuations notices remain in place by the Jackson County Sheriff Oregon and Jackson County Emergency Management for homes near the fire. All current evacuations and evacuation maps can be found on www.rvem.org/fires - residents can enter their address and find their evacuation zone and any related notices and information. Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads are now open to all traffic, however firefighters continue to work in the area; please use caution when traveling around the fire.

The Upper Applegate Fire, located on private and BLM land on the 2000-block of Upper Applegate Road, was first reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grass fire. Applegate Rural Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District initially responded and found a fast-moving grassfire that was quickly growing in dry vegetation, and was pushed uphill by hot, windy conditions. Fire agencies from across Jackson and Josephine counties, including structural departments, the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, responded with an aggressive initial attack.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲; 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

For more fire information, including current fire regulations, visit our website, www.swofire.com.

06/20/2025

Applegate fire evening update.

𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙂𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Resources assigned to the Upper Applegate Fire have nearly reached their goal of lining the entire perimeter of the incident by the end of Thursday’s dayshift, completing 95% of the fire line. The portion that is remaining on the north side of the fire has a high amount of conifer mortality. Tree fallers have been removing dead trees, fire-weakened trees, and snags throughout this area, and are continuing this work to allow firefighters to complete the line safely.

Tonight, resources will also be focused on bolstering the lines created around the fire and beginning mop-up operations to add depth to the perimeter. Additionally, firefighters will be working to complete the hose construction across the incident, which will allow for water access on the fire during mop-up. A total of 224 personnel are assigned to the fire tonight, including eight 20-person crews, 10 engines, six bulldozers and seven water tenders. Aircraft have been flying throughout the day and will be used as needed until sundown.

Due to windy conditions this evening, a 1/100th of an acre spot fire crossed a line on the north side, and crews are engaged in extinguishing and mopping up the area. Resources will continue to monitor lines for any potential breaches or spot fires, as well as monitor the weather for signals of any potential changes in fire behavior.

The Jackson County Sheriff Oregon and Jackson County Emergency Management have decreased all Level 3 – GO NOW evacuations to Level 2 – BE SET notices. All current evacuations and evacuation maps can be found on www.rvem.org/fires

With this change, the Redcross shelter at Jacksonville Elementary School has closed. Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads are now open to all traffic, however firefighters remain working in the area; please use caution if traveling on this roadway.

The Upper Applegate Fire was first reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grass fire. Applegate Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District initially responded and found a fast-moving grassfire that was quickly growing in dry vegetation, and was pushed uphill by hot, windy conditions. Fire agencies from across Jackson and Josephine counties, including structural departments, the BLM and U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, responded with an aggressive initial attack.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. For more fire information, including current fire regulations, visit our website, www.swofire.com.

06/20/2025

06/19/2025

As of 12:32AM, both Heavy Brush 40 and Water Tender 40 have returned from their fire assignments!

On 06/17/2025 Water Tender 40 and 2 crew members left the Rogue Valley at 5:00AM as a part of Task Force 12 to assist with the Alder Creek Fire located in Jefferson County. Water Tender 40 crew performed structural triage and preparation as well as supplying the units in Task Force 12 with water. Crews arrived back at the station at 10:00PM on 06/18/2025.

Heavy Brush 40 and 3 crew members were requested as a part of Rogue Valley Task Force 5 (RV5) for the Upper Applegate Fire. Heavy Brush 40 and crew members arrived on scene at 4:13PM. Crew members performed structural triage and structural preparation. Heavy Brush 40 arrived back at the station at 12:32AM.

We would like to remind everyone to be cautious this fire season, there has already been multiple incidents across the State and we have just started fire season.

06/19/2025

06/19/2025

This morning's Applegate fire update.

𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙂𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Firefighters working on the Upper Applegate Fire were able to hold the fire overnight, securing a fire line around 70% of its perimeter. The fire has not grown beyond the footprint from late Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, resources were able to connect hose throughout 50% of the fire, bringing water access to the incident and allowing firefighters to hold line and extinguish hot spots easier. The fire, located on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land along the 2000-block of Upper Applegate Road, is estimated to be 470 acres following an assessment from aircraft personnel. This number will fluctuate in the future as more accurate mapping allows.

Today, 204 personnel are assigned to the fire, including eight crews, seven engines, six bulldozers and three water tenders. Aircraft on the fire remains the same, including two Type 2 and three Type 1 helicopters, as well as an air attack plane. Air tankers will be ordered for retardant drops as needed. The Oregon State Fire Marshal sent two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties to help local resources protect homes in the area.

Resources will focus on holding and improving existing lines today. The only area that remains unlined is on the north portion of the fire, where numerous hazard trees are located. Firefighters are working on mitigating those snags to create a safer working environment, as many are weakened by fire and primed to fall. An additional challenge today will be the weather; winds are predicted to reach 10 to 20 miles per hour in the afternoon with gusts of 25 miles per hour. These conditions, mixed with warm weather, may naturally increase fire activity in the afternoon. Firefighters are aware of this potential and will be watching for changes to fire conditions and responding with any needed resources.

The Jackson County Sheriff Oregon Office and Jackson County Emergency Management have issued Level 3 – GO NOW, Level 2 – BE SET and Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notices. All current evacuations and evacuation maps can be found on www.rvem.org/fires. An evacuation shelter is currently open at Jacksonville Elementary School at 655 Hueners Lane in Jacksonville. Small pets can be taken there, and large livestock can be taken to the Expo in Central Point.

The fire was first reported at 12:30 p.m. on June 18 as a grassfire. Applegate Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District initially responded and found a fast-moving grassfire that was quickly growing in the hot, windy conditions, pushed uphill by dry vegetation. Fire agencies from across Jackson and Josephine counties, including structural departments, the BLM and U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, responded with an aggressive initial attack.

Upper Applegate Road remains closed to the public at this time, however residents will be let through. Firefighters remain working in the area; please use caution if traveling on this roadway and avoid the area if possible.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Updates on the incident will be provided in the morning and evening, and throughout the day if a significant update is available. For more information, including current fire regulations, visit our website, www.swofire.com.