Single Publication

  Cold front should moderate Rum Creek Fire activity 

MERLIN, Ore. – Friday a cold front moved into the Rum Creek Fire, increasing the possibility of fire growth. The cold front passage will  bring cooler temperatures and higher humidity for the next few operational periods. 
 

Smoke began clearing this afternoon, allowing aviation support to resume. On the west side of the fire, crews caught a spot fire near Crawford House with help from aerial reconnaissance. Helicopters were also dropping water in the Rum Creek drainage where fire has moved into Wildcat Creek.  
 

Firing operations were completed from Galice to Mount Peavine. Planned firing operations will continue from Mount Peavine north, securing the fireline to the Rogue River. North of the river, west of Grave Creek, crews are building indirect contingency lines between Mt. Reuben and the Dad Creek Fire scar.  
 

The fire is still creeping down the line of Stratton Creek on the east side and currently holding. Firing operations to the northeast were completed south to Lower Grave Creek Road and the Rogue River.  
 

OSFM structure crews have assessed approximately 500 homes and applied structure protection measures ranging from structure wrapping to sprinklers to vegetation removal where appropriate. They are also removing hazard trees while monitoring and patrolling around the community of Galice.  
 

Weather: Highs in the 80s combined with lighter winds will moderate fire behavior for the next several days.  
 

Evacuations: Evacuation orders and notifications remain in place. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).  
 

Safety: Just a spark from a tire rim or chain can cause a wildfire. Hot exhaust systems parked off-road can ignite dried grasses, too. Check your vehicle before heading out, and park in areas clear of dry vegetation. 
 

River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued at this time.  

Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Road blocks are located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44'56.2/123 40'35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. The National Guard is staffing the roadblocks. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and permitted users will be allowed through. 
 

Closures: The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has a fire closure area encompassing the area west of Interstate 5 and north of Taylor Creek Gorge west of Stratton Creek, southwest to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary and west to East Fork Big Windy Creek and Bunker Creek. The northern boundary is the Rogue River from Grave Creek Boat. The full closure order and map can be viewed at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/