Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Woodrat Fire Reaches 300 Acres, 50% Lined Near Ruch
The Woodrat Fire has grown to approximately 300 acres and is 50% lined near Ruch. Six hand crews, four dozers, engines, water tenders, and falling modules are taking over overnight operations as firefighters work to limit movement toward Sterling Creek Road.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres as Crews Make Overnight Progress
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 2,000 acres south of Sprague River and east of Chiloquin. Firefighters strengthened lines along the east flank overnight, while heavy timber, dense vegetation, and rugged terrain continue to challenge crews.
Wrights Spring Fire Grows to 1,200 Acres East of Modoc Point
The Wrights Spring Fire has grown to approximately 1,200 acres east of Modoc Point in Klamath County. About 100 firefighters are working through the night, with more resources en route. No evacuations or formal closures are in effect, but the public should avoid nearby forest roads.
Juvenile Detained After Grass Fire Near Highway 62 in White City
A juvenile was detained after motorists reported a grass fire near Highway 62 in White City. Firefighters contained the 40 by 40 foot burn before it could spread, while deputies recovered matches and referred the case for possible charges, including arson.
Fire Danger Peaks Across Southern Oregon as I-5 Fire Reaches 23% Containment
Fire danger remains high to extreme across Southern Oregon as crews increase containment on the 100-acre I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass to 23%. Evacuations have eased to Level 1, both northbound lanes are open, and firefighters continue mop-up under Red Flag conditions.
Wildfire Damage or Evacuation? 4 Steps That Can Help Oregonians Recover
Wildfire evacuations and damage can create unexpected costs and difficult insurance decisions. Oregon regulators recommend four practical steps: save receipts, check coverage before filing a claim, document belongings, and confirm comprehensive auto coverage.
Industrial Fire Restrictions Tighten Across Southern Oregon
Industrial fire restrictions are increasing across Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake counties as extreme heat, dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds raise the risk of new fire starts and rapid growth.
Crews Stop New Grants Pass Fire as Mop-Up Advances on Larger Incidents
Firefighters stopped a new grass fire near Greenfield Road at one acre Monday while crews expanded mop-up operations on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire and increased containment on the East Evans Creek Fire to 95%.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Mapped at 96 Acres, Line Completed Around Perimeter
Firefighters completed line around the entire perimeter of the I-5 MM 57 Fire overnight. Infrared mapping measured the fire at 96 acres, but officials say the higher acreage reflects improved mapping rather than overnight growth.
Forward Progress Stopped on Third-Alarm White City Fire
Forward progress has been stopped on a third-alarm industrial fire in White City. The fire began at 2645 Avenue G, spread into surrounding businesses, and reached the fence separating the incident from the VA property.
I-5 Fire Near Grants Pass Estimated at 75 to 80 Acres, One Residence Reportedly Lost
An I-5 wildfire near Beacon Hill in Grants Pass grew to 75 acres Saturday evening as crews built hand and dozer line around 30% of the fire. Level 3 evacuations remain in place, two MAFFS aircraft are supporting the response, and initial reports indicate one residence was lost.
In Photos: Smoke, Fire and Community Response
The East Evans Creek Fire reached 90% containment 21 days after igniting west of Shady Cove. Photographs submitted by residents, firefighters, and fire command capture the smoke, evacuations, aircraft, public meetings, community support, and crews who worked to protect life and property.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 78% Containment as Mop-Up Continues
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 78% as crews continue extinguishing hidden heat, removing hose and repairing suppression lines. Infrared mapping identified several hotspots within the 300-foot mop-up zone near Dry Creek, which firefighters quickly extinguished.
All Evacuations Canceled as Crews Search East Evans Creek Fire for Hotspots
All evacuation notices and road closures associated with the East Evans Creek Fire have been lifted as firefighters continue searching for hidden heat. The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% containment, with infrared-equipped aircraft guiding mop-up and three chippers supporting suppression repair.
Florida Team Takes Command as East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 66% Containment
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 66% as a Florida incident management team assumes command. Firefighters have completed more than 300 feet of mop-up in many areas, while hose and equipment continue coming off secured portions of the 15,580-acre fire.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 54% Containment as Crews Begin Pulling Hose
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 54% as crews push mop-up beyond 200 feet in many areas and begin removing hose and equipment from the western perimeter. The fire remains at 15,580 acres, with a Florida incident management team set to take command Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 46% Containment as Night Operations Shift to Patrol
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 46% as crews continue deep mop-up and prepare to shift overnight operations to patrol. Improved field mapping reduced the official size to 15,580 acres, while seven helicopters remain available and a new incident management team will assume command Monday.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 38% Containment as Evacuations Ease Again
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has increased to 38% as firefighters push deeper into mop-up and evacuation levels ease again. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with minimal smoke visible, while crews begin suppression repair and remove equipment from increasingly secure portions of the incident.
East Evans Creek Fire Reaches 33% Containment as Crews Shift Deeper Into Mop-Up
Containment on the East Evans Creek Fire has climbed to 33% after crews held established lines through another round of strong winds. The fire remains at 15,705 acres with no overnight growth as firefighters work toward a massive 2,300-acre mop-up goal and some resources begin transitioning to suppression repair.
No New Growth as Firefighters Make Progress Ahead of Red Flag Weather
The East Evans Creek Fire held at 15,705 acres overnight with no new growth reported as containment remains at 26%. Crews are pushing mop-up as far as 150 feet into portions of the fire, while a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning and wind gusts up to 45 mph could test firelines Wednesday.