Overnight, the Rum Creek fire pushed across the line on the east side of the fire near McKnabe Creek, burning several hundred acres. Resources are being shifted to this area to corral the slop-over and establish new control lines. An increase in fire activity is expected through Friday as the weather shifts to a hotter, drier pattern. Inversions are expected to lift earlier in the day, increasing temperatures and winds while reducing relative humidity.
As of early this morning, the fire was already burning actively on the ridges. Firefighters are expecting potential spot fires, and shifted resources to continue alternate contingency fire lines to the east.
Last night, firefighters successfully conducted burnouts on the south edge of the fire near Taylor Creek, eliminating remaining fuels between the control lines and the fire’s edge. Today, they will work to secure the southeast corner of the fire working toward the north. Hose lays and pumps are set up along many control lines, including those constructed near Stratton Creek.
On the fire’s west edge, burnout operations near Mount Peavine and the 34 road secured more of the western edge, and crews built line from Taylor Gulch toward Chrome Ridge. Today, fire personnel will tie the line from Chrome Ridge north to Bear Gulch, and are working near Ridge Gulch. North of the Rogue River, the line tied to the Dad Creek Fire scar is expected to be completed today.
Firefighters working with the OSFM are assisting with active fire suppression as needed. They are also extinguishing all remnant heat spots within 100 feet of buildings, and continue to assess structures. Firefighters are making preparations to include clearing brush and installing sprinklers to further protect structures.
More than 500 people attended Tuesday’s community meeting in Grants Pass, and more than 6,200 viewers watched on Facebook live. A recording of the meeting is available at facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.
Evacuations: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued numerous evacuation orders and notifications. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to to address can be found at JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For current evacuation information and resources, visit Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org)
Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and river permit holders will be allowed through. Roadblocks will be 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 three 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. National Guard is staffing the roadblocks.
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. River status is updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page and at blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.
Closures: The Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office has a fire closure area that includes 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 a map can be viewed at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8348/.
