Rum Creek Fire remains stubborn as crews mop up other blazes

Kevin Opsahl, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·2 min read

Aug. 20—Although most fires caused by Wednesday's Southern Oregon thunderstorms were extinguished by the end of the week, there was one Saturday that was vexing crews — the Rum Creek Fire north of Galice, where a Talent firefighter was killed this week by a falling tree.

The fire had spread to 75 acres over the weekend, with firefighters describing the area around it as "a mini-Grand Canyon," making it difficult to get to, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Forestry. However, a dozer line was able to be put in place atop the fire while nearly 200 firefighters, along with aircraft, helped to control its boundaries. A second crew, meant to provide relief to the other, was expected to command the fire Sunday.

The Rum Creek Fire was just one of more than 50 fires that more than 800 firefighters sought to contain in what is called the Westside Complex in Jackson County and the Lightning Gulch Complex in Josephine County.

Meanwhile, the number of fires burning in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is up to 16, the forest service reported, with all but two of those contained or controlled. While no new fires were found Saturday, it is likely that new fires from holdover lightning strikes will continue to be found.

The Department of Forestry's-Southwest District stated in a news release that as of Saturday, no homes were threatened, nor had evacuation orders been placed. But it urged people to "be aware of any potential changes" and follow Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Josephine County Emergency Management and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for any further information.

The National Weather Service had estimated that Wednesday's lightning storm consisted of 230 strikes and caused the fires that are currently being contained.

The latest developments came just hours after Logan Taylor, 25, of Talent was identified Friday as the firefighter who died Thursday after being hit by a tree while battling the Rum Creek Fire.

Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or kopsahl@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.