ASHLAND, Ore. – Update: One evacuation order has been downgraded, now both JAC-541 and JAC-542 are in Level 2 – Be Set warnings.
Original: Evacuation notices have been issued and one southbound lane of I-5 in Ashland is closed due to a nearby wildfire.
The Protect Genasys website indicates that zone JAC-542 is under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation order, this includes the area of Windemar, Timberlake, and Clayton.
Zone JAC-541 is under a Level 2 – Be Set warning, including the area east of Canyon Road and Morninglight Drive.
The Oregon Department of Forestry says forward progression has stopped and 90% of the fire is wetlined with water. Crews from the ODF and Jackson County Fire District 5 will work to keep in contained with helicopter water bucket drops, lining the fire, and bolstering lines. The fire is estimated to be five acres in size.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, one lane of southbound traffic has opened, while the other remains closed three miles south of exit 14 in Ashland. However, drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.
An evacuation center has been set up at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the shelter is equipped for animals, with smaller pets in the Mace building and livestock at the fairgrounds.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.