The Jack Fire burning on the Umpqua National Forest east of Glide is now 35% contained. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had spread across 16,674 acres of land.
Along the northern edge of the fire, north of HWY 138, crews have been increasing the depth along fire lines.
South of HWY 138, burnout operations are being used to build lines that will contain the fire and stop the southern spread. Roads are being used as control lines on the southeast flank and crews are using heavy machinery to remove brush in those areas.
HWY 138 is now open, but drivers are asked to be aware of fire traffic and take it slow.
The fire began on July 5 and quickly prompted Level 3- GO NOW- evacuations for some residents. Last week any remaining Level 3 evacuation notices were downgraded to Level 2- BE READY- status. As of Sunday, July 18, the following evacuation levels are in effect:
LEVEL 2 "BE SET" evacuation for all residences and businesses located between milepost 43 and 51 on Highway 138E, including the Dry Creek Community is in effect.
LEVEL 1 “BE READY”: All residences and businesses located between milepost 38 and 43 on Highway 138E, including the Steamboat Inn and all residences located on Brindle Bug Road and Steelhead Caddis Road, are in a Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation level. All residences and businesses located between milepost 51 and 55 on Highway 138E are in a Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation level.
All residences and businesses located between milepost 55 and 60 on Highway 138E, to include the Slide Creek Village, Toketee Village and Clearwater Village, are no longer under a formal evacuation notice.
Full containment of the Jack Fire isn’t expected until the middle of August. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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