Update (7/19/13 11:24pm): Officials tell us that all evacuation orders have been lifted.
Update (7/19/13 8:41pm): Josephine County Rural/Metro Fire Department says the fire is 75% trailed, meaning they havedrawn defensible spacelines around 75% of the fire to keep it from spreading.Evacuation orders have been lifted. Crews will work through the night and tomorrow to get it contained.
Firefighters say one vacant home and a garage were burned. One person and one firefighter were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The power will be out in the Water Gap area for the safety of the firefighters.
Update (7:45pm) According toofficials with the Oregon Department of Forestry,the Pacifica Fire has burned 500 acres in Williams. A spokesperson with the department told NBC 5 News, one fire fighter and one resident were taken to the hospital with minor injuries as a result of the fire. 75 homes were evacuated.
Update (6:47pm): A wildfire between 200-300 acres is moving quickly in Williams, and it’s threatening about 100-125 homes.
According to ODF officials two air tankers, three helicopters, three bulldozers and numerous wildland and structural fire engines are battling the fire to try and keep it from jumping the Williams Hwy.
Officials tell us the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is evacuating residents near Lower Powell Creek Road and Watergap Road below Pacifica Garden.
We’re told one structure has burned, but we don’t know if it is a home or an out-building.
The fire reportedly started in forested land and has moved down to flat grassland. Multiple agencies are on scene battling the blaze. They’re trying to keep it from jumping Williams Highway. The Oregon Department of Forestry says they are getting a good handle on it.
The Sheriffs Department says if you live near Lower Powell Creek Road and Watergap Road below Pacifica you should evacuate. A temporary shelter has been set up at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, and a call center is open for people who need information – the number is 541-474-5305.
Update (5:24pm): Officials tell NBC 5 that at least one building has been damaged in the fire. No cause for the fire is known yet.
Update (4:45pm): Officials tell us that evacuations of Lower Powell Creek Road and Water Gap Road have been completed.
Fire crews from the Rogue Valley have been requested to help fight an approximately 200 acre fire in Williams. Officials tell us that the fire is located near the 14000 block of Watergap Road. Officials tell NBC 5 that the fire jumped from 100 to 200 acres in a short time.
Currently evacuations are taking place on Lower Powell Creek Road and Water Gap Road.
If you have pictures or video of this fire send them to us by e-mail at [email protected]
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