A community meeting will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Agness Library & Community Center and livestreamed via www.facebook.com/SWORFireInfo. Agency representatives will be present for the community meeting to answer any questions related to recreational water activities in the fire area on the Rogue River.
Boaters on the Rogue River are asked to yield to fire aviation traffic in still water areas and pull to river right if it is safe to do so when helicopters are in the area. Please STAY IN YOUR BOAT, NO SWIMMING and NO FISHING between Blossom Bar and Flora Dell. As needed and if it is safe to do so, disembark to scout rapids for safe passage. No camping, hiking or picnicking is allowed within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest emergency closure area.
“As cooperating agencies that manage the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, the Forest Service and BLM are working to keep the river open and accessible to recreationists even while firefighting operations are underway,” said Traci Zimmerlee, Agency Administrator representing the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. “If you are on the river, follow the instructions of river rangers and firefighting personnel. Adhering to the guidelines provided helps enable us to keep the river open while providing for firefighter and public safety.”
CURRENT STATUS: Wednesday, fire was primarily active around Tate Creek and north towards Panther Ridge along Paradise Creek. Fire did cross check lines near the Tate Creek drainage, but crews are working to bring the slopover under control. Crews were able to build handline around a section of the fire that reached Panther Ridge. Two crews remained in the area into the evening to monitor any potential flare-ups. Contingency groups will complete mastication and brush removal operations today. This work will strengthen these roads’ ability to function as indirect lines. Structure protection resources will continue to protect private property and provide assistance with any initial attack needs.
Yesterday, helicopters provided 111,000 gallons of water to the fire to assist firefighting operations and reduce heat on the perimeter. An additional helicopter has been assigned to the incident to bolster firefighting efforts.
WEATHER & SMOKE: Higher humidities from last night may moderate fire behavior, but strong winds this evening can lead to active fire behavior. Next week, there is potential for precipitation over the fire area. Smoke and air quality information is available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/ and https://www.airnow.gov.
SAFETY: Permitted boaters can contact the BLM Smullin Visitor Center at 541-618-2408 or email [email protected] about the status of the river.
EVACUATIONS: Several areas remain in Level 1 (Ready) and Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations. Please visit the interactive evacuation map https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae.
CLOSURES: The Forest Service closure is still in effect for the fire area. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/rogue-siskiyou/alerts for closure information and maps.