UPDATE 2 – AUGUST 24, 2022
INCIDENT SUMMARY
The RUM CREEK FIRE is located five miles northwest of Galice and 12 miles northwest of Hugo (Josephine County) and Grass Pass, Oregon, which was sparked by lightning on August 17, 2022, around noon.
This is located in the Medford District.
CURRENT FIRE STATUS
According to Fire Officials: “Monitor fire growth utilizing aviation resources to slow fire progression continue to prep primary lines and prep and scout alt line locations. Evaluate current structure protection plans and development plans as needed.“
There is active fire behavior with backing, flanking, and single tree torching.
There have been 779 acres destroyed and reached a 0% containment status.
The expected containment date has been tentatively set for October 31, 2022.
The fire has reached the lower Rogue River’s south shoreline. The Lower Section of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River at Grave Creek is currently open but only to permit holders with strict limitations. It is expected to reach the River near China Rapids and Rainie Falls within five operational periods.
EVACUATIONS (LEVEL 1)
Evacuations are in effect for those who are North of the Rogue River, South of Sawmill Gap Area, West of Rock Creek Road, and East of Russian Creek.
FIRE MANAGEMENT
The IC is Gales, with an NWIMT Team 13 which has assumed command.
INCIDENT COOPERATORS
ODF Southwest Oregon District: “An anonymous tip helped the Jackson County Sheriff’s office nab a suspect in the recent theft of a fire detection camera and power equipment from an ODF lookout tower in SW Oregon. We greatly appreciate the help!”
National Interagency Fire Center: Wildland firefighter Logan Taylor, who died battling the Rum Creek Fire, will be honored early next week in a public memorial service.
The service will be held Monday, August 29 at 10 a.m. at Harry and David Field, 2929 S. Pacific Highway in Medford, donated by the Medford Rogues baseball team.
Members of the public who wish to honor Logan Taylor are invited to attend.
Taylor, 25, of Talent, Oregon, was the owner and operator of Sasquatch Reforestation, a local forestry company. On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Taylor was struck by a tree while working on the Rum Creek Fire outside of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) immediately deployed a helicopter and personnel to the fire and airlifted Taylor out of the mountainous terrain to an awaiting Mercy Flights helicopter, which transported him to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. Despite lifesaving efforts by firefighters and EMS personnel assigned to the fire and responding medical staff, Taylor succumbed to his injuries.
The incident is under investigation and more details will be released as they are confirmed.
The family wishes to thank the community and local fire service for their thoughts, prayers, and support through this difficult time. Cards for Taylor’s family may be sent to the Oregon Department of Forestry Central Point Office: Oregon Department of Forestry, Southwest Oregon District. Re: Logan Taylor. 5286 Table Rock Rd.. Central Point, OR 97502
The U.S. Fire Administration: They track firefighter fatalities and other stats.
BLM
Living with Fire Program (LWF): Discussions on how fire smoke can impact communities where a wildland fire may be burning. Check out this great article on this very specific topic. https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=4626NFFF Fire Programs: They are currently developing their next training program on wildfire risk management.
Today, they are filming at a base camp in Idaho in partnership with Boise FD and the National Interagency Fire Center (in Boise), Idaho.
Inciweb
Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County
Josephine County Emergency Management
Josephine County Sheriff’s Office
AVIATION RESOURCES
Tanker 912 has been providing wildland firefighting from the skies since August 22, 2022, on this wildfire located in southern Oregon.
COST-TO-DATE
The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts has reached $1.5 Million Dollars to date.
NW Fire Blog 