August 31, 2022 11:00 a.m. (updated 1:20 p.m.)

Fire activity has increased on the Rum Creek Fire, burning in the Galice area in Josephine County.

The latest update from Northwest Incident Management Team 13 said the fire was up to just under 14,000 acres as of Wednesday morning. More than 7,000 structures are threatened. An Air Quality Alert is in effect through Thursday afternoon for the fire area and surrounding locations.

An increase in fire activity is expected on Friday as the weather shifts to a hotter, drier pattern. Inversions are expected to lift earlier in the day, increasing temperatures and winds while reducing relative humidity.

Firefighters are expecting potential spot fires, with the fire burning actively on the ridges. Crews are working to secure the southeast corner of the fire, working toward the north. Hose lays and pumps have been set up along many control lines, including those constructed near Stratton Creek.

On the west edge of the fire, burn out operations near Mount Peavine and the 34 road have secured more of the western edge. Crews have built lines from Taylor Gulch toward Chrome Ridge. Fire personnel are working to tie the line from Chrome Ridge north to Bear Gulch, near Ridge Gulch. North of Rogue River, the line tying to the Dad Creek Fire scar should be completed soon.

More than 500 people attended Tuesday’s community meeting in Grants Pass, with over 6,200 viewers watching on Facebook Live. A recording of that meeting is available at www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022.

The Rum Creek Fire is 1 percent contained. 1,842 people are assigned to the fire.

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