The Smith River Complex fire has been divided into Smith River Complex North and Smith River Complex South. The Oregon border is the dividing line. If you are looking for accurate information, not rumors, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-smith-river-complex . There is a live operators meeting every day at 11 am that is recorded. Another option is the Watch Duty app.
The website specifically for Josephine County is Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org). Josephine County Sheriff, Dave Daniel is embedded in the North Complex team and is up to date about what is happening in the county. As of today (Monday) the North Complex is 70,620 and 6% contained. The expectation depending on weather it will continue to grow. So far there are 2,661 personnel and 66 crews, working day and night in the North Complex working hard to develop containment lines. Assisting them is a lot of heavy equipment including helicopters (visibility permitting), engines, dozers, and water tenders. They all deserve our heartfelt appreciation.
Hopefully you had a chance to attend the in-person update at the high school Monday night. If it was recorded it would be posted on one of the websites.
I am aware that there are many people who don’t want to go to the designated Red Cross evacuation sites in Grants Pass and there is some pressure to open Jubilee Park 24/7. Unfortunately, the city of Cave Junction does not have the staffing, funding, or public safety personnel to manage an evacuation site properly and safely.
It is hard not to go on and on about the fire, the smoke, and the potential for evacuation. This is a stressful situation and there is a lot of anxiety out there. Please protect yourself from dangerous smoke. Masks are important protection from the hazardous particulates in smoke that can have long term health effects. Please be extra kind and patient. Some of us have smoke addled brains. Together, as a community, we will get through this.
On a more positive side the city is actively working on the welcome sign for the north side of town. A contract with the builder who did the welcome sign at the visitor center has been signed. I am excited that sometime soon people coming south will know when they are entering Cave Junction.
