Southwest Oregon Wildfire Information Center

South Obenchain Fire Update

September 28, 2020

Update: Today is a “watch out” day for firefighters to stay aware of shifting winds that can carry heat to unburned areas of the fire. Large pockets of brush, trees, and grass that have not burned within the fire are called isolated islands. Since there is potential for the islands to burn, crews establish control lines around them and monitor for new smokes or interior heat. Containment and control lines continue to hold on the South Obenchain Fire. There is no threat to containment. Excess equipment and supplies are being backhauled to camp.

Weather: A red flag warning is in effect until Tuesday at 10am. Gusty winds are coming from the east at 4 -12 mph with gusts reaching up to 27 mph on ridgetops. Today is sunny with maximum temperature around 93 degrees at lower elevations, and around 85 degrees above 3,000 feet. There is low humidity across much of far southwestern Oregon. Winds will weaken tonight into Tuesday, but dry and warm conditions will continue into the week.

Resources: 391 total resources. 12 type-2 crews, one light helicopter, two medium helicopters, one fixed-wing air tanker, 21 engines, four dozers, eight water tenders, and three skidgens.

Evacuations: Properties east of North and South Obenchain Roads within the burn area are reduced to Level 1. All other areas impacted by the Obenchain fire are no longer under an evacuation order. Visit the Jackson County Emergency Management page: https://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/News/News-Information for a map of evacuation levels and updates.

Evacuee Resources: The evacuation shelter remains located at the Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Penninger Rd. in Central Point, Oregon where some services are available. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) are now open in Medford with smaller satellite offices operating in Talent, and Phoenix. MARC locations will be available from 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week.

Medford: Central High School, located at 815 S. Oakdale Avenue (541) 842-3669

Talent: Talent Elementary School, located at 307 Wagner Creek Road (541) 535-1531

Phoenix: Phoenix Civic Center, located at 220 N. Main Street (541) 535-1955 ext. 303

Temporary Flight Restrictions: The footprint of the TFR has reduced in size and height. It remains in place for the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting the South Obenchain fire. Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.

Closure: All Bureau of Land Management lands within the fire perimeter remain closed. The public must not enter closure areas and closed recreation sites. Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: http://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions