In Jackson County’s Applegate Valley, a fast-moving wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon near the 2000 block of Upper Applegate Road, just south of Ruch and east of Cantrall Buckley Park. Fueled by steep terrain, high temperatures, dry brush, and gusty winds, the blaze rapidly grew to 350 acres with 0% containment.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were in effect for zones JAC-427 and JAC-436, with Level 2 "Be Set" and Level 1 "Be Ready" notices impacting hundreds more nearby.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are coordinating efforts with multiple fire crews from agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and local fire departments from Medford, Ashland, and Jacksonville.
Two structural protection task forces from Lane and Marion counties have been mobilized by the Oregon State Fire Marshal to help protect homes in the fire’s path. Multiple helicopters and air attack planes have been ordered for an aggressive initial attack.
Evacuation shelters have been established at Jacksonville Elementary School (655 Hueners Lane) for both people and small pets. Livestock can be taken to the Jackson County Expo Fairgrounds in Central Point (1 Peninger Road).
“This is our third mobilization this month,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We need to do everything we can as Oregonians to be wildfire aware.”
Upper Applegate Road remains closed between Little Applegate Road and Hamilton Road as of Wednesday evening.
Alder Springs Fire Grows to 3,442 Acres in Central Oregon
Further north, the Alder Springs Fire continues to burn near Cove Palisades State Park, where as of Wednesday morning it had grown to 3,442 acres. There is 0% containment, and the fire has forced the closure of the Deschutes Campground and Upper and Lower Deschutes Day-Use areas.
Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation alerts remain in effect in the surrounding region. A temporary evacuation point has been set up at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, and a large animal shelter is open at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
The fire broke out June 16 and prompted Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act to mobilize additional firefighting resources. On June 17, open flame restrictions were enacted at Cove Palisades.
Crews made some progress Tuesday thanks to calmer conditions, but stronger winds are forecast for Wednesday evening. Five OSFM task forces are working to protect structures and strengthen containment lines.
A public community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 18 at Terrebonne Community School Gym.
Rowena Fire Holds at 3,700 Acres, 53% Contained
Meanwhile, in the Columbia River Gorge, the Rowena Fire continues to smolder across 3,700 acres, but containment has improved significantly to 53%.
Evacuation warnings remain in place, and Highway 30 between Rowena and The Dalles Country Club is still closed while crews mop up hot spots and conduct erosion control.
Firefighters are working in the area near I-84, which remains open. Drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert.
A Red Cross shelter is still open at The Dalles Middle School, and livestock can be housed at the Wasco County Fairgrounds.
Fire Maps and Evacuation Links:
- Jackson County evacuation map
- Deschutes County evacuation map
- Jefferson County evacuation map
- Wasco County evacuation map
With multiple wildfires now active and weather conditions expected to worsen, Oregonians are urged to remain alert, follow evacuation instructions, and be mindful of restrictions. Fire season is here — and it’s starting fast.
