MERLIN, Ore. -- A growing lightning-caused fire is causing a road and some access closure today.

The Northwest 13 Incident Management Team (Team 13) is in charge of northern Josephine County's Rum Creek Fire. It says increased fire activity is closing Galice Road and surrounding public lands on both sides of the Rogue River between Almeda County Park and Grave Creek for public and firefighter safety.

The Rum Creek Fire north of Galice is burning along the Rogue River in a popular recreation area for the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River.

The Josephine County Sheriff has issued a Level 1 BE READY evacuation notice for the areas south and west of the Rogue River and north of Bear Camp Road, including Rand, Galice, and Galice Creek Road.

Team 13 says a structure protection division is working to reduce fuels around homes in the area in case blowing sparks or embers start new fires near residential areas.  It says crews structure-wrapped the historic Whiskey Creek Cabin Tuesday with an aluminum fire blanket material designed to protect structures from sparks or embers and withstand intense heat.

"A lot of tactical operations are occurring and we’re starting to see successes out there on the landscape," said Eric Riener, incident commander trainee for the Northwest 13 incident management team.

Team 13 says a spot fire in the Mouse Creek drainage was held in check by helicopter water drops Wednesday and the perimeter of the main fire received extensive air support throughout the day.

It say since the fire reached the south shore of the Rogue River, it has begun spreading east and west along the riverbank, increasing the chances of uphill runs in unburned fuels. The fire has not crossed the river, which will remain open unless life safety becomes an issue and the open/closed status will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022 by 6am daily. 

The only access to Grave Creek Boat Ramp is by Lower Rogue River permit holders and people accessing Grave Creek from Wolf Creek.  Team 13 says, "Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses — including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited."

The Level 1 BE READY evacuation alert instructs people to be aware of danger in the area and stay informed: https://www.rvem.org/Incident-INFO/Josephine-County.

Follow @KDRV12 on Facebook and @KDRV on Twitter for the latest news, sports, and weather in Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.