Crews continue to make progress at the Rum Creek Fire with containment reaching 12 percent. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Strong gusty winds and low relative humidity could promote rapid fire spread and provide resistance to control efforts on new ignitions.
A dry cold front is expected today, bringing slightly cooler temperatures and gusty winds from the west to northwest. Rum Creek Fire personnel established contingency lines further from the fire as containment features if needed. Containment lines are established along road systems as well as using old dozer lines from previous fires in the vicinity. Fire personnel are monitoring the weather closely and watching for wind-driven flare-ups, especially along ridgelines.
To prepare, firefighters constructed direct and indirect lines around most of the fire and conducted strategic firing operations in critical areas. Mop-up extinguished the remaining embers along the fire’s edge near structures and on sections of the perimeter.
On the east side, new lines are being built and fortified by strategic firing operations to keep the fire from spreading east from McKnabe Creek drainage. Yesterday, the fire pushed toward the containment line near Grave Creek. Crews initiated strategic firing operations to reduce the chance of fire crossing the line. The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) dropped aerial ignition devices to ignite a steep unburned area near Ennis Riffle to reduce the chance of fire spotting south across the Rogue River.
The southwest edge between Mount Peavine and Bear Gulch was fired during night operations. Fire personnel are working to extinguish heat near the edge of the burned area. Strategic firing continues north toward the Rogue River on the fire’s west side to secure this section.
OSFM personnel working continue to mop up remaining hot spots near structures, patrolling areas along Galice Road to watch for spot fires caused by wind-blown embers. Firefighters are working on structure assessment and pre-planning to the east of the Rum Creek Fire.
This holiday weekend, the public is reminded to be careful with fire. Rum Creek Fire was ignited by lightning, but historically, most wildfires are ignited by humans. Check local fire restrictions before starting any fire or barbecue grill. Ensure all fires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
Fire Size: 16,940 acres
Evacuations: No new evacuation orders or notifications were issued. Existing evacuation orders and notifications remain in place.
- Interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address
- Current evacuation information and resources
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. 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 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 is open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis, updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page. Please call 541-471-6535 for information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.
