Evacuations, closures reduced near Rum Creek Fire
MERLIN, Ore. – Fire personnel continue to make progress on the Rum Creek Fire. More residual heat is being mopped up near the fire’s edges. Cooler, more humid weather continues to moderate fire behavior. On the interior of the fire, flames are slowly burning through residual ground fuels. Yesterday, only one small flare-up required water dropped by a helicopter to cool it.
Most of the hoses, pumps, and other equipment used for fire suppression have been pulled from fire lines and returned to the Incident Command Post near Merlin. Repair work is underway on many of the contingency lines and on some of the primary lines. Surplus personnel are being reassigned or sent home. As of Tuesday, September 13, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has reduced or lifted all evacuation orders and notices for the vicinity. A section of Level 3 (GO NOW) east of the Rogue River and west of Hog Creek Road and Hog Creek has been downgraded to a Level 2 (Get Set). All other evacuation notices have been lifted. Evacuation information by address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org). Coordination between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Josephine County Parks and the Josephine County Sheriff allowed the reopening of some recreation sites along the Rogue River. Hog Creek County Park and Boat Ramp, Indian Mary Park and Campground, and Ennis Riffle County Park are open starting this morning. The Almeda County Park and Campground and Galice boat ramp are still closed. The Reuben Mountain Road between Lower Grave Creek Road and Dutch Henry Road is open, but grading and other repair work is obstructing this road. The public is asked to stay off the Reuben Mountain Road until repair work is completed. The public is reminded to drive carefully on roads near the fire, including Galice Road. Fire personnel are actively working on the fire, creating heavy traffic on some roads. If you do not need to be in the fire area, please stay out. Avoid chipping operations. Please slow down, keep your eyes on the road, and yield to oversized vehicles. Evacuations: Evacuation orders have been reduced or lifted. 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).
Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Road blocks are located at Galice Road north of junction with Bear Camp Road; 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); Stratton Creek Road at Galice Road; Hog Creek Road at Galice Road; Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Grave Creek Road at the bridge by Grave Creek Boat Ramp. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and permitted users will be allowed through. River status: The Rogue River is open to boating down to Ennis Riffle. Boats must pull out of the water at Indian Mary or Ennis Riffle County Park. The river is closed between Ennis Riffle and Grave Creek Boat Ramp due to fire activity and hazards. 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.
InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other