Multi-Agency Police, Firefighter Response Holds Fire to 5 Acres, Evacuates Residents

JCSO Case 22-4394

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) and Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to a reported structure fire at the intersection of Foothill and Corey Rd. just after 4:30 p.m. yesterday. The fire quickly spread to dry grass in the surrounding area and threatened many homes. Multiple police agencies responded to assist JCSO with evacuations, including Oregon State Police, Medford Police, Eagle Point Police Department, and Talent Police. Law Enforcement evacuated approximately 25 residents in the immediate area and JCSO and Jackson County Emergency Management issued a Level 2: Be Set evacuation order for the surrounding area.

Thanks to hard work and a quick response from Firefighter crews from all across Southern Oregon, the fire held at approximately five acres. JCSO and Emergency Management downgraded the evacuation order to Level 1: Be Ready at 9 p.m. There have been no reported injuries and the cause of this fire is under investigation. There have been many previous police and fire calls for service to this location.

This was a second alarm fire, with resources coming from Jackson County Fire District 3, Medford Fire Department Fire, ODF Southwest Oregon District including two helicopters, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and the Rogue Valley 1 Strike Team (Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass city Fire, Rogue River, Illinois Valley, and Applegate Fire).

As of 7 p.m. JCFD3 confirmed three homes burned down but crews were able to search the homes before they collapsed. Numerous outbuildings and vehicles were also lost to this fire. Roughly an additional 15 structures were threatened.

JCSO Patrol deputies responded to the fire at the compound on the corner of Foothill and Corey Rd. On arrival several individuals were emerging from small trailers and structures on the property where the fire was rapidly spreading. Deputies repeatedly ordered these subjects to leave the property and Firefighters advised they were interfering. Several deputies spoke with these subjects throughout the multi-hour ordeal. Near the end of the operation, a previously contacted subject was found in front of the property where the fire initiated. He was ordered back out of the perimeter but he refused. The suspect, Jeremy Wayne Sabin, 45, of Central Point was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail for interfering with a firefighter.

Thanks to all the first responders and residents for working together to ensure the safety of all involved. Also thanks to Oregon Department of Transportation and Jackson County Roads for setting roadblocks and PG&E for cutting/restoring power. A special shout-out goes to the dispatchers at Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911, thanks for your hard work and skills.

Last night JCSO and Fire responded to various lighting fires started in the County. Currently fire is on scene of fires near Mt. Ashland and Prospect. Both are believed to have been started by lightning. Please be extra vigilant during this heat wave and potential for lightning and make sure you and your family are prepared in the event of an evacuation. To learn more about evacuation levels go to: https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information/be-ready-be-set-go-1

Talent Police Department FC - Oregon

Medford Fire Department

Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal