Fire Danger Peaks Across Southern Oregon as I-5 Fire Reaches 23% Containment
Evacuations have eased to Level 1 as crews continue mop-up under Red Flag conditions.
Mop-Up Work: A firefighter applies water to burned ground while searching for and extinguishing residual heat on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon.
Fire Facts
Name: I-5 MM 57 NB Fire
Location: East of Interstate 5 near mile marker 57, Grants Pass
Acres: 100
Containment: 23%
Evacuations: Level 1
Equipment: Five 20-person hand crews, engines, water tenders, one dozer, and an overnight drone flight
Activity: Crews are mopping up 200 feet inside the perimeter, strengthening firelines, extinguishing hotspots, and removing hazardous snags.
SOUTHERN OREGON — Firefighters increased containment on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass to 23% Tuesday evening as agencies across Southern Oregon prepared for continued hot, dry, and windy conditions.
The fire remains at 100 acres. Containment increased from 8% Tuesday morning as crews strengthened firelines, extended mop-up approximately 200 feet inside the perimeter, and extinguished remaining hotspots in steep, heavily timbered terrain.
Engines applied more than 1,500 gallons of water along the fire’s edge Tuesday to help secure the perimeter.
Evacuation notices associated with the fire have been reduced to Level 1, meaning residents should remain aware and prepared in case conditions change. Current evacuation information is available through Josephine County Emergency Management.
Both northbound lanes of Interstate 5 have reopened. The northbound shoulder remains closed through the fire area, and motorists are urged to slow down and watch for firefighters and equipment working along the highway.
Steep Terrain / Cover Photo: Firefighters climb a hillside above Grants Pass while working the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire, which burned 100 acres east of the interstate. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon.
OVERNIGHT OPERATIONS CONTINUE
Infrared Map: An overnight drone flight mapped the 100-acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire and identified remaining heat sources within the perimeter early Aug. 4. The dashed line marks a 150-foot mop-up buffer. Rogue Reconnaissance and UAS Wildland Fire Collaborative.
Five 20-person hand crews, several engines, water tenders, and a bulldozer will continue suppression work overnight.
An unmanned aircraft system will fly over the fire to locate remaining heat and help crews plan Wednesday’s operations. A reconnaissance flight will also help identify any additional areas of concern, with firefighting aircraft available if needed.
Crews will continue removing hazardous snags, strengthening containment lines, and extinguishing remaining hotspots.
A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire. Unauthorized aircraft, including recreational drones, are prohibited because they can force firefighting aircraft to leave the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Aviation Support: A helicopter is staged in Myrtle Creek as part of Oregon’s severity program, which positions additional aircraft where fire danger and the potential for new starts are elevated. Oregon Department of Forestry.
HIGHEST READINESS LEVELS REMAIN IN EFFECT
Fire danger is rated high or extreme across all Oregon Department of Forestry districts in Southern Oregon.
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across much of the region through at least Wednesday, bringing gusty north winds, temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s, and very low humidity. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through Thursday.
Smoke from wildfires burning elsewhere in the region may also reduce air quality and visibility.
ODF has prepositioned additional aviation resources, including helicopters staged in Myrtle Creek, to help local districts respond quickly if another fire starts. The aircraft are part of the agency’s statewide severity program and may be moved as conditions change.
Staged Helicopter: An additional helicopter waits in Myrtle Creek to support wildfire suppression efforts across Southern Oregon as needed. Oregon Department of Forestry.
ODF has also brought four military helicopter managers from California through the Northwest Compact. The additional supervisors allowed Oregon to activate Oregon National Guard aviation resources supporting wildfire operations in northeast Oregon.
Qualified helicopter managers and other middle management personnel are required before agencies can safely mobilize aircraft, hand crews, and strike teams. ODF said those positions are in short supply nationally.
Statewide Readiness: An Aug. 3 wildfire situation report lists 32 active large fires statewide and more than 2 million acres burned in Oregon during 2026. Regional preparedness and ODF activity were both at Level 5. Oregon Department of Forestry.
The latest statewide situation report, dated Aug. 3, listed 11 active large fires on ODF-protected land and 32 statewide. More than 2 million acres had burned across Oregon since the beginning of the year.
Both the regional preparedness level and ODF activity level were listed at 5, the highest levels used by the agency.
DRIVER PREVENTS ANOTHER FIRE FROM SPREADING
Earlier Tuesday, a garbage truck driver helped prevent another fire from spreading near Manzanita Elementary School in Josephine County.
After discovering that the truck’s load was burning, the driver dumped the material in an open portion of the school parking lot, keeping the flames away from nearby vegetation and buildings. Rural Metro Fire and ODF extinguished the debris during the Red Flag Warning.
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