ODF Reports Upper Applegate Fire Line Strengthened Overnight with Effort
Firefighters working overnight on the Upper Applegate Fire had a successful shift strengthening containment lines and making progress on mop-up operations -- reaching the 10% mark.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports resources were also able to connect hose throughout the rest of the incident, allowing for water access across the entire fire and greatly aiding crews as they continue to push forward on mopping up the blaze.
An infrared flight was not able to be conducted overnight, so the fire remains an estimated 470 acres.
A chance of rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast today, with increasing winds expected to persist across the incident. Firefighters are prepared for the added weather challenges and ready to respond to any new fire starts, whether lightning- or human-caused. More than 250 personnel are on the fire today.
Level 2 "Be Set" and Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in place for homes near the fire, which was first reported at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday as a grass fire in the 2,000-block of Upper Applegate Road. All current evacuations and maps can be found at "RVEM.org."
Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads are now open to all traffic, but crews continue to work in the area so please use caution when traveling near the fire.
ODF Public Information Officer Natalie Weber said the exact cause of the Upper Applegate Fire remains under investigation. She said future updates on the fire will be limited to once per day in the evening following shift change.
Posted on 6/20/25 11:49AM by Sam Marsh
