Grants Pass I-5 Grass Fire Held to About 80 Acres After Aggressive Initial Attack

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is continuing suppression efforts after responding to a grass fire that started burning along I-5 near Grants Pass yesterday.

Multiple units, including both Type 2 helicopters and Air Attack, responded to support suppression efforts.

Firefighters and partnering agencies made great progress on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire yesterday through an aggressive initial attack, limiting the fire spread to 75 to 80 acres. Multiple hand crews and Type 6 engines reinforced suppression efforts and strengthened containment.

Night shift firefighters continued suppression efforts through the night, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and improving overnight conditions.

Five dozers, five water tenders, and five 20-person hand crews were deployed overnight. By late last night, firefighters had established line around approximately 75% of the fire and continued reinforcing the fireline, extinguishing hotspots, removing hazardous snags, and securing the fire’s perimeter.

An infrared-equipped UAS (drone) is currently mapping the fire perimeter, and updated acreage and mapping information will be available later this morning. Current warnings:

• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Do not fly drones.
• Evacuations remain in place.
• Use caution if you’re traveling through the area- give firefighters plenty of room to work.