***JACK FIRE UPDATE***

US Forest Service-Umpqua National Forest

Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire near Steamboat, approximately 30 miles east of Glide, Oregon on the North Umpqua Ranger District.

The Jack Fire, which is currently estimated at 900 acres, was reported on Monday, July 5 at 5 p.m. and is burning in grass and timber east of Jack Creek Road (Forest Service Road 4713) and west of Jack Creek. Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and local resources utilized smoke detection cameras located on Mt. Scott, near Glide, to isolate the point of ignition. Firefighters and local resources started initial attack immediately upon locating the wildfire.

The fire was very active throughout yesterday afternoon and moderated down during the night. A section of State Highway 138, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, or locally known as Diamond Lake Highway, was closed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) between mile post (MP) 40 (Steamboat) and MP 47 (Dry Creek Store). A Forest closure order will soon be in effect, with additional details to follow. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Numerous resources aided in initial attack efforts, including mutual aid from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) as well as support from a Type 3 interagency crew, which arrived last night. Resources currently assigned include 9 engines, 2 hand crews, 3 water tenders, 3 heavy lift helicopters, 1 light helicopter, 3 air tankers, and 2 fixed wings (with lead plane).

The Forest will in-brief the Type 2 Incident Management Team today at 6 p.m. The health and safety of the public and wildland firefighters is a top priority. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist, so please be careful and stay clear of the incident. Fire danger remains HIGH and public use restrictions are in effect.

Read the full news release at bit.ly/UNFNews.