Crews make significant progress in the fight against Jack Fire | fire watch

DRY CREEK, Oregon – The Jack Fire reached nearly 12,500 acres on Monday and is still 10% contained.

Officials said they had made significant progress over the weekend and felt confident the area was secure.

“Firefighters did a great job, especially in areas north of Highway 138. They completed containment lines and burnt fuel areas and created protection around the community of Dry Creek,” said Shannon Dunfee, Jack Fire Public Information Officer.

Dunfee said Monday was the last day of operations for the Oregon State Fire Marshal in this effort and task forces would now move to local agencies.

Currently, 243 structures are threatened but none have been damaged so far. Four helicopters are working to drop retardant and water to limit the spread of the fire.

The Jack Fire comes nearly ten months after last fall’s Archie Creek Fire. Officials said recent conditions were concerning.

“Right now the area is experiencing extreme drought, so we’re asking people to do their part to prevent fires and know it’s dry,” Dunfee said.

Officials estimate that full containment will be achieved by July 28, but that depends on weather conditions.

CLOSURES

Highway 138 East is closed from Steamboat Creek to mile post 55. The Steamboat Inn is also closed.

Additionally, the Oregon State Marine Board issued a temporary closure of the North Umpqua River from the Boulder Flat boat launch downstream to the confluence of Alder Creek. This will remain in effect until July 18 or until the rule is lifted. You can find more information here.

Certain areas of the Umpqua National Forest are closed to the public until February 28, 2022, unless lifted earlier. To protect firefighters, the public will not be permitted to be on a closed road, enter a closed area or be on a closed trail. For a map of closures, CLICK HERE.

ASSISTANCE

If you have evacuated, contact the American Red Cross at 1-888-680-1455 for resources. Saving Grace will accept small pets for temporary boarding, but they ask that you call before arriving.

EVACUATION NOTICE

• LEVEL 3 GB
  • All recreation areas, residences and businesses between kilometer markers 43 and 51 on Route 138E
    • All US Forest Service campgrounds including Apple Creek, Horseshoe Bend, Eagle Rock
    • The community of Dry Creek and all residents of Illahee Road.
• LEVEL 2 IS DEFINED
  • All residences and businesses between kilometer markers 38 and 43 on route 138E
    • Steamboat Inn
    • All residents of Brindle Bug Road and Steelhead Caddis Road

  All residences and businesses between kilometer markers 51 and 55 on route 138E

  • Soda Springs Power Plant and Surroundings
• LEVEL 1 BE READY
  • All residences and businesses between kilometer markers 55 and 60 on route 138E
    • Slide Creek Area and Toketee Residential Area
    • Lake Toketee and surrounding recreational sites