Local News

Containment continues to increase on the Salt Creek Fire as firefighters push forward on mop-up operations across the incident in Jackson County. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported this morning that the wildfire burning between Eagle Point and Butte Falls was 3,990 acres with 24% containment. ODF officials said containment indicates the amount of line that has been mopped up, which strengthens and further secures that portion of the fire. The wildfire crossed a small section of line on the southwest corner of the incident last night, but firefighters were able to catch it an estimated two acres. Resources remained in that area this morning, mopping up and securing the fire-line. There is still potential for flare-ups especially in areas within the perimeter that still have unburned vegetation. Managers are watching closely for increased fire activity. A total of 750 personnel were assigned to the incident today including 27 20-person hand crews, backed by 19 engines, 12 water tenders, nine bulldozers and eight tree-fallers. Aircraft -- including helicopters and air tankers -- are available upon request. Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management remain in effect, but no structures or homes are threatened at this time. According to ODF, the estimated cost of fighting the Salt Creek Fire so far is $4.5 million. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 

It's going to remain pretty toasty in Southern Oregon over the weekend, but the summer heat won't be excessive like it has been over the past seven days. The National Weather Service has replaced the Excessive Heat Warning with a Heat Advisory for Josephine, Jackson and eastern Curry counties that runs until Saturday night. High temperatures of between 95 and 105 degrees and low temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees are expected in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Medford and Butte Falls. The forecast in Grants Pass shows high temperatures remaining at or below 100. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during hot weather. Area rivers will still be cold and can cause shock to swimmers. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors -- especially the elderly. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 

Britt Music & Arts Festival has announced a special initiative to recognize and thank the region's courageous firefighters who play an integral role in protecting the Southern Oregon community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering two complimentary tickets to each firefighter for one of the upcoming concerts featuring Paul Cauthen on July 16th, Umphrey's McGee on July 17th or SOJA on July 19th. For instructions on how to redeem these tickets, please visit the Britt Box Office at 216 West Main Street in Medford or call (541)-773-6077. Britt Music & Arts Festival extends its heartfelt thanks to these brave individuals for their unwavering dedication and service. For more information about upcoming Britt concerts and shows in Jacksonville, please visit "brittfest.org."

 

Resources on the Salt Creek Fire continue to work on securing existing fire lines through mop-up activities on the north and northwest sides of the incident. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported this morning that the wildfire burning between Eagle Point and Butte Falls was 3,891 acres and containment had grown to 16%. Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Strategic firing operations continue in the southeast corner of the blaze to connect the fire's edge to the established indirect containment line. The objective is to eliminate unburned vegetation and material between the indirect line and the edge using low-intensity fire in this steep terrain, creating a more secure line. On Wednesday afternoon, a small spot fire outside the line in the southwest portion was quickly corralled by firefighters. That area was fully-lined and mopped up last night. The focus today is to hold the fire within the existing perimeter. Nearly 700 firefighters are assigned to the incident today including 26 20-person hand crews backed by 19 engines, 11 water tenders and nine bulldozers. Aircraft -- including multiple helicopters and air tankers -- are available upon request. Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in effect for several areas around the wildfire, but so far no homes or structures are threatened. The Medford District BLM has temporarily closed lands in the area for safety. Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road remain closed off Highway 140 while Double Day Road is still closed off Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remain open.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a Grants Pass man for roughing up a 3-year-old child to get him to be quiet and go to sleep. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the 26-year-old male subject for the incident at a home in the 200-block of Jasmine Drive off Lower River Road on Wednesday at 10:51 a.m.. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night. Deputies said an investigation determined the subject placed his hand over a young child's mouth to stop him from crying while trying to put him to bed. The child tried to push the man's hand away, but was unable to do so. The subject grabbed the child's arm and shook him violently. According to the report, the little boy sustained multiple bruises with fingerprint welts to his face and arm. The child was tended to by medics, but it was unclear if he was taken to the hospital. The suspect was working in Medford at the time of the call. He agreed to drive back to Grants Pass and meet with a deputy, he admitted to the crime and was placed into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 3rd-Degree Assault, Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mistreatment and Strangulation. The Oregon Department of Human Services was notified about the incident.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for breaking into a barn and guest house in the Wilderville area yesterday. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the incident in the 3300-block of Cheney Creek Road on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m.. Deputies said the property owner called 9-1-1 to report a male subject had broken into his barn. The caller said he observed the incident on video surveillance and believed the subject was possibly under the influence of drugs. He had no vehicle. According to the report, the subject initially told the property owner that he lived in the guest house and was taking care of horses. He went in and out of the guest house several times. The door had been locked, but it was forced open. Upon arrival, deputies placed the 27-year-old suspect into custody. He was lodged without bail at the Josephine County Jail for 1st-Degree Burglary, Attempted 1st-Degree Theft, 3rd-Degree Criminal Mischief and 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man on an outstanding warrant plus new criminal offenses while investigating a domestic disturbance in the south part of the city yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers were alerted to the incident at a home in the 400-block of West Harbeck Road on Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.. Police said a 22-year-old male subject violated his no-contact release agreement by contacting the victim at his residence. They said he was also found to be wanted on a Grants Pass warrant for failing to appear in court for 4th-Degree Assault. He was located in the laundry room of the home and then fled out the back door. When the subject was advised he was under arrest, he ran back into the residence and tried to hide in a bedroom. He resisted being placed into custody by tensing up his body and refusing to place his hands behind his back. He was eventually subdued by multiple officers, but no one was injured. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant as well as new charges of Contempt of Court, Resisting Arrest and Escape. He was being held without bail.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a young motorist for impaired driving last night after he crashed his vehicle into a residential yard in the northwest part of the city. The Police Department reports officers and emergency crews responded to the single-vehicle wreck in the 2200-block of NW Highland Avenue on Wednesday at about 7:25 p.m.. Police said the 18-year-old male subject was driving a vehicle in a manner that was endangering people and property when he swerved off the roadway, struck a tree and landed in a yard. They said witnesses observed him fleeing the scene on foot before he was contacted and detained. The young man displayed numerous signs of impairment including red watery eyes, slurred speech, an unsteady gait and a strong smell of alcohol emanating from his person. He was placed into custody and while being placed in a patrol vehicle, he reportedly used physical resistance in an attempt to break free. He was secured in the vehicle for the ride to the hospital and a legal blood draw. The suspect was subsequently lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving and Resisting Arrest. His wrecked vehicle was impounded.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for riding a dirt bike on a public roadway near a city park last night. According to the Police Department, officers pulled over the 40-year-old dirt bike rider on Allen Creek Road after he was observed riding the bike near Tussing Park on Wednesday around 8:30 p.m.. Police said they stopped the rider because the dirt bike had no license plates while it was traveling west on West Park Street. Officers later located the bike at the intersection of Allen Creek Road and Redwood Avenue before pulling it over. The man was riding at a high rate of speed on a sidewalk at the time. The dirt bike rider was "uncooperative," failed to present identification and claimed he did not need ID because he had rights to ride his dirt bike. He was detained and his Oregon ID was located during a pat down. The suspect was lodged in jail for Failure to Carry and Present an Operator's License, Driving While Suspended and No Insurance. His dirt bike was towed.