July 8,. 2025 11:10 a.m.  

Firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District are continuing to respond to over 50 reports of smoke and fire following thunderstorms that moved through Jackson and Josephine counties on Monday evening.

Public Information Officer Natalie Weber said of the 53 reports, 17 have been found to be duplicates, or not fires, resulting in 22 confirmed fires across the district and an additional 14 reports that are pending. Weber said resources have been engaged on the 22 incidents and as of mid-morning Tuesday, seven are already 100 percent lined and mopped up, leaving 15 active and staffed. As fires are lined and mopped up, resources are continually being dispatched to pending calls.

As of midday Tuesday, firefighters remain engaged on three major fires:

*The Heppsie Mountain Fire, located off Highway 140 north of Lake Creek. It is estimated to be 50 acres and is located on steep terrain with numerous hazard trees

*The Poole Hill Fire, located south of Heppsie Mountain across from South Fork Lake Butte Creek Road, is estimated to be 3 to 5 acres.

*The Pompadour Fire, located in the hills east of Ashland off of East Nevada Street and Pompadour Drive. Firefighters have been able to line 100 percent of the fire’s perimeter and stop it at 38 acres.

Weber said all other fires are estimated to be between 1/10th of an acre and six acres.

High danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties. For Southwest Oregon District fire information, go to: www.swofire.com or follow the agency on social media.