Waldo, Ridge Vista Fires Near Cave Junction Fully Lined After Overnight Push
Firefighters completed line and hose around both fires overnight after an aggressive air and ground response Sunday, while critically dry fuels and hazardous trees remain concerns.
An aerial view shows smoke rising from one of the fires south of Cave Junction during Sunday’s initial attack. Both fires prompted a large response involving aircraft and ground crews. (Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry)
UPDATE, July 20, 4:30pm:
The Illinois Valley Fire District says the response to Sunday’s Waldo and Ridge Vista fires involved more than 60 emergency response unit assignments across the two incidents, drawing resources from local, county, state and federal agencies.
The Waldo Road incident received 29 responding units, while 33 units responded to the Ridge Vista Drive incident. Fourteen units were assigned to both fires as agencies shifted and shared resources between the simultaneous incidents.
One firefighter was injured during suppression operations and transported for medical evaluation. The firefighter was treated and released from the hospital and is recovering, according to the Illinois Valley Fire District.
Responding agencies included the Illinois Valley Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, multiple Jackson County fire agencies, Medford and Jacksonville fire departments, Applegate Fire District, Williams Rural Fire Protection District, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, American Medical Response, Josephine County 911 Dispatch and Josephine County Emergency Management.
The new information underscores the scale of the coordinated response required Sunday as crews worked two fires at the same time while evacuations and a temporary closure of U.S. 199 were in effect.
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. — Firefighters made significant progress overnight on two wildfires that prompted evacuations, threatened structures and temporarily closed part of U.S. 199 south of Cave Junction on Sunday.
Jefferson Daily followed both fires as they unfolded Sunday, providing breaking updates throughout the evening on our Facebook page.
By Monday morning, crews had completed fireline and hose lays around both the Waldo Fire near O’Brien and the Ridge Vista Fire southeast of Cave Junction, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.
The Waldo Fire was remapped overnight at just over 30 acres, roughly double Sunday evening’s preliminary estimate. ODF said the change reflects more accurate mapping and does not represent significant overnight growth.
The Ridge Vista Fire remains at approximately 15 acres.
Improved humidity overnight gave firefighters an opportunity to strengthen lines and begin more extensive mop-up operations before another warm and dry day.
Waldo Fire
A smoke column rises from one the Waldo Fire south of Cave Junction on Sunday evening as crews launched an aggressive air and ground attack. (ALERTWildfire/OHAZ, University of Oregon)
The Waldo Fire was first reported Sunday afternoon near O’Brien and quickly grew as gusty winds pushed flames through dry grass and vegetation.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the fire was estimated at 8 to 10 acres, with multiple structures threatened and aircraft working alongside ground crews.
Firefighters used retardant drops to help box in the fire, and by later Sunday evening activity had decreased significantly.
Crews worked through the night to complete dozer line and hose around the entire perimeter.
Approximately 72 personnel are assigned to the Waldo Fire Monday, including three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, two water tenders, a dozer and a specialized faller module tasked with removing dangerous fire-weakened trees.
Crews will spend the day improving existing lines and expanding mop-up deeper into the burned area.
Ridge Vista Fire
Smoke from the Ridge Vista Fire is visible in the mountains near Cave Junction Sunday as firefighters responded to two fires near town. (ALERTWildfire/OHAZ, University of Oregon)
The Ridge Vista Fire southeast of Cave Junction proved more active during portions of Sunday evening.
Initially estimated at 3 to 6 acres, the fire grew as firefighters dealt with spotting outside the main fire area. Additional retardant drops and ground resources were used to slow the spread and secure the perimeter.
By late Sunday night, the fire was estimated at roughly 14.5 acres.
ODF now places the fire at approximately 15 acres, with line and hose completed around the entire perimeter.
Firefighters have already mopped up roughly 20 feet inward from the fire’s edge and will continue working deeper into the interior Monday.
Approximately 70 personnel are assigned, including three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, a water tender and a dozer.
Large Response Sunday
The two fires triggered a substantial response from state and federal firefighting agencies Sunday.
Aircraft supporting suppression included large air tankers, Single Engine Air Tankers and multiple helicopters.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest also sent resources from the Wild Rivers Ranger District, including engines, a water tender, a dozer, the Siskiyou Rappel helicopter and a Type 1 helicopter.
Josephine County officials issued Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notices Sunday evening for several areas near Redwood Highway and Waldo Road as firefighters worked to contain the incidents.
U.S. 199 was also temporarily closed between the Illinois Valley Airport and Waldo Road because of fire activity.
Residents should continue checking official Josephine County emergency information for the latest evacuation status and transportation agencies for current road conditions.
Dry Fuels Remain a Concern
Although humidity improved overnight and some locations received a few light raindrops, ODF said vegetation remains critically dry.
Firefighters are also working around snags and other trees weakened by fire, creating additional hazards as crews move farther into burned areas.
Monday’s goal is to keep both fires within their existing footprints while crews deepen mop-up and eliminate remaining pockets of heat.
The causes of both the Waldo Fire and Ridge Vista Fire remain under investigation.
Cover image: Burned vegetation and fire hose mark the edge of one of the Waldo and Ridge Vista fire areas south of Cave Junction as crews continue mop-up operations Monday. (Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry)
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