Klondike Fire:
The now 15,915 acre Klondike Fire added almost 2000 acres Monday to its 13,922 acres as of Sunday. The blaze, burning primarily in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, started on July 15th by lightning. Fire managers are continuing to utilize available resources to suppress the Klondike Fire while minimizing risk to the public and firefighters.
Officials have announced a Klondike Fire Community Meeting in Selma TODAY, July 31, 6 pm at the Selma Center.
A level 3 “Go” evacuation remains in effect for Oak Flat at the end of the Illinois River Road in Josephine County. Illinois River Road from mile post 2.5 to Oak Flat is at a Level 2 “Get Ready.” Visit Josephine County Emergency Management on Facebook for current information
Fire crews have been battling active surface spread. Single tree and group torching, spotting with short crown runs possible. Night shift resources will continue to patrol and monitor developed areas.
Taylor Creek:
As the 24,965 acre fire approaches the Rogue River, Over 1,600 firefighters and support personnel are working to contain the fire and protect structures in the impacted areas and will continue firing to secure primary containment lines to protect the community of Merlin. Crews will continue to prep the Bear Camp Road to keep the fire south of the road. Coordination continues with PNW3 to discuss holding concerns between the Taylor Creek fire and the Klondike Fire.
The Taylor Creek Fire was active on the northeast side. The fire crossed primary containment lines and moved into the Galice Creek drainage, but the fire was still within secondary bulldozer lines. Crews overnight are working around the fire securing and holding the line.
On the Taylor Fire flare-ups are producing group torching with short uphill crown runs. Sustained backing with rolling materials is occurring on steep slopes. Short range spotting is common.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued Level-2 evacuation Sunday. A Level-2 “Be Set” evacuation means you must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Monday afternoon Due to firefighting operations for the Taylor Creek wildfire, Galice Road has been closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles, between Stratton Creek Road and Taylor Creek Road.
Traffic traveling out Galice Road to Galice will be turned around at Stratton Creek. Traffic traveling from Galice towards Merlin, will have to travel Galice Road to Lower Graves Creek Road or Lower Wolf Creek Road.
It is unknown how long the Galice Road will be closed. Information on evacuations is available from the Southern Oregon Joint Information Center (541-474-5305).
Natchez Fire:
The 5,360 acre Natchez Fire, started by lightning on July 15, grew almost 1000 acres since Monday. Management of the fire was transferred to Pacific Northwest Team 3, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, on July 23, 2018.
The 670 personnel assigned to the incident are working to implement suppression actions that will most effectively and safely limit fire growth.
The community of Sunstar has been placed in a Level 1 evacuation “Ready” status. Del Norte County, CA, including the community of Sunstar, has adopted the Oregon three level evacuation process. For Del Norte County emergency notification information, visit: http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/administration/emergency-services. For Siskiyou County emergency notification information, visit: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/content/oes-codered.
Fire area closures are in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou and Klamath National Forests. Forest Road 48, known locally as the Grayback Road, between Happy Camp and Cave Junction, remains open at this time.
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