Rum Creek Fire moving toward the lower Rogue River

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A virtual community briefing regarding the Rum Creek Fire suppression operation will be posted to the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022).
The meeting Aug. 23 was pre-recorded, but the questions were answered in real time.
“We saw significant movement today (Aug. 23) progressing downslope to the north toward the Rogue River,” said Eric Riener, Incident Commander trainee with Northwest 13 Incident Management Team. “We could potentially see impacts to the shores of the river today, and definitely Wednesday.”
For public and firefighter safety, at the recommendation of Northwest 13 Incident Management Team, the BLM Medford District is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice.
This closure order impacts the permitted section of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Boaters will not be able to launch or travel downstream from Grave Creek until the closure is lifted. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, boating, hunting, and camping—are prohibited.
The BLM and Pacific Northwest Team 13 will conduct daily assessments to re-open the river as soon as it is safe to do so.
Although winds are generally from the north and northwest, team fire behavior analyst Dean Warner said they tend to be deflected by the south canyon wall back toward the river, potentially carrying sparks or embers as well.
Ground crews made good progress Monday establishing primary containment lines to the west of the fire. Hand and dozer lines were completed along the southeast flank and crews will begin plumbing today. Plumbing is the installation of a system of water tanks, engines, pumps and hoses used to extinguish embers and hot material just like a campfire.
Weather: Temperatures rose into the 90s Tuesday, with good overnight humidity recovery, and will continue to climb Wednesday as the current weather trough moves out of the area. Smoke will be heavier in the canyon, which will help keep temperatures down.
Safety: Watch for increased fire traffic, including slower moving equipment, throughout the area as additional resources report to the incident. Traffic will be heavier than normal around Merlin and Rand when firefighters head out to the line in the morning and return to camp at the end of the day.
Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in place across the BLM Medford District. Campfires and all other types of open fires, including charcoal briquettes, are prohibited; motor vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) and parking are restricted to developed roads and areas clear of vegetation.