MERLIN, Ore. -- Rum Creek Fire's incident command says an unexpected rescue happened at the Incident Command Post (ICP) this week.
It says as fire suppression operations slow, its remaining crews are vigilant about their duty, such as Operations Section Chief Jesse Blair.
It says yesterday while Blair was leaving the ICP, he noticed a white bird in a tree, and as he drove closer he noticed it seemed to have trouble flying, becoming grounded.
Incident Command (IC) says when Blair got out of his vehicle the white bird ran away rather than trying to fly, and when close enough to clearly see the bird, Blair identified it as an albino Red Tailed Hawk that was wet and unable to fly.
UC says Blair contacted Merlin wildlife rehabilitation and education center Wildlife Images which captured the hawk for transport to its clinic for further evaluation as bird #744.
UC says that northern Josephine County's deadly Rum Creek Fire has 216 personnel working on the wildfire today. It says more than 2000 personnel were assigned to the incident at its peak and, "With fire engines, water tenders, pick up trucks and bulldozers travelling to the fireline, roads around the forest were pushed to their limits."
25-year-old Talent firefighter Logan Taylor died August 18th fighting the fire when a tree hit him one day after the fire started. The wildfire caused evacuations that persisted for a month.
IC says the lightning-caused wildfire has burned 21,347 acres near Galice and Rand, including two homes and six other buildings. It says as fire suppression work around the fire is almost complete, "fire managers are working to ensure areas affected by the large amount of off highway traffic are repaired." Road graders have been working to smooth road surfaces while dump trucks have been adding gravel in areas that need additional support or repair.
IC says weather that's forecast this weekend will help fire crews expose any lingering heat within 200 feet of containment lines as, "Fire crews are on track to meet all suppression goals and are winding down this weekend with operations expected to come to an end early next week."
The Rum Creek Fire's containment is 90%.
IC says heavy equipment and fire crews are working along roads within and near the fire area, advising people driving in the area to use caution and know recreational and road closures are in place.
The IC says its Rum Creek Fire report today is its final daily update for the wildfire and, "Any future updates will be provided by local fire agencies if necessary."
Road Checkpoints: Road blocks are located at: Galice Rd north of Almeda; Peavine East Road at Bear Camp Road; Peavine West Road at Upper Bear Camp Road; Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Hog Creek Road at Galice Road; and Galice Road at the bridge by Grave Creek Boat Ramp.
Recreation Area Openings: The Rogue River Trail (river right) is open, as is Almeda County Park. Rocky Bar, Robert Dean, Chair, and Rand Recreation sites remain closed at this time. The Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail (on river left) remains closed. The Grave Creek boat ramp is not accessible from Galice Road. Additional recreation sites are being assessed. Please call BLM Grants Pass Office, 541-471-6500, for more information. Revised closure order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon- washington/fire-restrictions.
River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek is open. The Smullin Visitor Center in Rand is now open for permits, and new permits are being issued. The recreation section of the Rogue River is open, however the Rand and Argo Boat Ramps are closed. Day users are recommended to take out at Almeda. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information.
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