Single Publication

Cool and Humid Conditions Continue to Aid Suppression Efforts

MERLIN, Ore. – Rum Creek fire area is holding at 83 percent containment with no new fire growth. Crews continue to be downsized, with 330 people remaining. Unsettled weather will continue for several days bringing higher humidity levels and scattered showers. Wind gusts of up to 22 mph are expected for the second day in a row for upper slopes and ridges. Isolated lightning levels today and tomorrow are not predicted to start fires but could bring rain levels strong enough to wash soils, provide instability in burned areas, and be a safety concern for public and fire crews within the fire perimeter. Crews will focus on suppression, mop up, patrol, rehab/repair, and hazard tree mitigation.

Today we will begin the transition to a Type 3 Incident Management Team under the leadership of Incident Commander Brandon Kerns. The Type 3 team will assume full command at 0700, Tuesday, September 20, 2022. As part of this transition, crews and equipment will be downsized.

Road Checkpoints: Road blocks are located at: Galice Rd north of Almeda; Peavine East Road at Bear Camp Road; Peavine West Road at Upper Bear Camp Road; Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Hog Creek Road at Galice Road; and Galice Road at the bridge by Grave Creek Boat Ramp.

Recreation Area Openings: The Rogue River Trail (river right) is open, as is Almeda County Park. Rocky Bar, Robert Dean, Chair, and Rand Recreation sites remain closed at this time. The Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail (on river left) remains closed. The Grave Creek boat ramp is not accessible from Galice Road. Additional recreation sites are being assessed. Revised closure order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek is open. The Smullin Visitor Center in Rand is now open for permits, and new Wild Section permits will be issued starting on Monday. The recreation section of the Rogue River is open, however the Rand and Argo Boat Ramps are closed. Day users are recommended to take out at Almeda. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information.