September 1, 2022 4:30 a.m.

The Rum Creek Fire, burning between in Josephine County between Merlin and Galice, is nearing 15,000 acres, as of Wednesday night.

The latest update from Northwest Incident Management Team 13 said resources are surging to new areas to address locations where the fire crossed lines on the eastern edge of the blaze. The fire is remaining active due to warm temperatures, low humidity and very dry fuels.

Structural protection continues in residential areas threatened by fire, with firefighters assessing homes, wrapping structures and installing sprinklers, and are clearing flammable materials from roofs and gutters, on and around decks, and areas against homes.

The fire has not crossed the Rogue River north of Grave Creek. On the east side of the fire, fire is established in McKnabe Creek.

Heavy smoke has prevented aviation support on the east side of the fire. Skies were clearer on the west side, where multiple retardant drops were made to reinforce containment lines.

An interactive map showing evacuation levels is linked: https://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure.

1,842 people are assigned to the fire.