Fire officials have been busy for more than 24 hours trying to contain a wildfire between Merlin and Galice in Josephine County.
Officials with the Oregon Department of Forestry have named the fire the Stratton Fire.
They say wind conditionsaren’t helping, but they aren’t hurting either.
Now nearly 24 hours later, this iswhat the scene looks like, some smoke billowing into the sky.
While it may visually look improved, it’s anything but.
“It blew up early this morning. Last night it was reported between 70 and 100 acres. This morning they were reporting it at about 175,” said Caitlin Goins, Oregon Department of Forestry.
Despite it’s growth overnight, crews have successfully dug a barrier around the fire hoping it won’t spread even further.
“We’ve got a majority of the main body of the fire lined up. So, right now we are working on some spot fires that came out over the night. We have 4 dozers out there, 8 engines. 8, 20 man crews,” Goins explained.
Because of the steep location of the fire, the biggest tool fire officials have right now are the helicopters, which are grabbing water directly from the Rogue River.
Officials aren’t exactly sure when the fire will be 100% contained but they say they are working tirelessly to make sure that it doesn’t grow any further.
“We’re looking very optimistic on this fire right now. We are just working on getting it contained and then we can initiate the mop up,” Goins added.
Stratton Creek and Hog Creek roads remained closedwhile officials continue to battle the fire.Luckily no structures have been threatened.
It’s not the only fire in Josephine County that officials are working on.
Crews are mopping up the Hays Hill Fire, 13 miles North of Cave Junction.
Officials were able to contain that fire to only 5 and a half acres.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.