The Milepost 97 fire, near Canyonville, has grown to more than 12,588 acres. As of Wednesday morning, it was 25% contained.
The wildfire is burning on land managed by the Cow Creek tribe, state forest land, private industry areas and BLM lands.
More than 1,400 personnel are working on the fire that’s burning alongside Interstate 5. The state Department of Forestry says firefighters are having success establishing control lines around the fire and that mop-up operations have commenced in many areas.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended the air quality advisory for Josephine, Jackson and Klamath counties and has also added southern Douglas county. It’s in effect until further notice due to ongoing wildfire smoke.
I5 drivers in southwest Oregon should continue to expect morning delays for the rest of the week. Traffic will be slow from 7 A.M. to 12 P.M. while fire crews remove hazardous trees along the Milepost 97 fire area, south of Canyonville. This will affect drivers in both directions between mileposts 88 and 101. The state Department of Transportation says to expect congestion and low visibility, due to smoke.
