Blackwell Fire Held After Wind-Driven Spread
Fire crews completed a containment line overnight as mop-up continues near rural Central Point, where officials say defensible space and quick response helped prevent homes from being lost.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Evacuation levels have been lowered Tuesday morning for the Blackwell Fire near rural Central Point after crews completed a containment line around the fire perimeter overnight.
Jackson County Fire District 3 said cooler overnight temperatures created favorable conditions for firefighting operations. Crews successfully completed a containment line around the fire and are continuing mop-up work throughout the interior of the fire area.
Jackson County Fire District 3 crews continue mop-up operations Tuesday morning at the Blackwell Fire, where smoke remained visible from burned material inside the fire perimeter. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Fire District 3.
Smoke may remain visible Tuesday as firefighters continue breaking apart, moving and fully extinguishing piles of burned material inside the fire perimeter.
The fire was last estimated at approximately 30 acres Monday evening. It began Monday afternoon as a pallet fire at Hilton Landscape Supply before spreading into nearby grass during high winds, according to fire officials.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office lowered evacuation levels Tuesday morning. Zone JAC-229, which had been under a Level 2 “Be Set” notice, has been downgraded to Level 1 “Be Ready.” Zone JAC-231, which had been under a Level 1 notice, has been canceled.
Fire officials said engines and crews will remain on scene throughout the day Tuesday to continue mop-up and watch for spot fires. The property owner is also bringing in additional resources to help manage the material involved in the fire.
Potential thunderstorms Tuesday could bring additional wind to the area, though temperatures are expected to remain cooler.
At the time of the fire Monday, Fire District 3 said wind gusts exceeding 50 mph caused rapid fire growth and spotting downwind. The fire spread into a large field area that was dangerously close to nearby homes.
Officials said the field had been mowed and maintained, creating defensible space that helped reduce the threat to nearby houses. Fire District 3 also credited local residents and community members who assisted with heavy equipment operations during the response.
“That defensible space, along with the quick actions of local residents and community members who stepped in to assist with heavy equipment operations, were critical factors in preventing the loss of homes,” Fire District 3 said in its Tuesday morning update.
Several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings inside the fire perimeter were damaged, but officials said no homes were lost or damaged.
Fire District 3 said brush truck crews were able to quickly identify the fire’s movement and predict it was heading east toward nearby homes. Their response helped firefighters move aggressively to protect structures and stop further spread.
Multiple agencies assisted during the incident, including mutual aid partners, dispatch personnel and a regional strike team of water tenders. Fire officials said rural water supply was a major part of the firefight because the area does not have hydrants immediately available throughout the incident zone.
Fire District 3 estimated that more than 1.1 million gallons of water were used during the incident and overnight pumping operations. Most of the water came from an onsite water source, supplemented by hydrants.
Eleven water tenders operated during the incident, helping shuttle and maintain the water supply needed for fire suppression.
Fire officials said the Blackwell Fire is also a reminder for residents to prepare now as summer fire season begins. Mowing dry grass, reducing fuels and creating defensible space around homes can help slow or prevent fire spread, especially during high-wind events when embers can spot far ahead of the main fire front.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Cover image: A Jackson County Fire District 3 engine works inside the Blackwell Fire perimeter Tuesday as crews continue extinguishing hot spots and burned material. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Fire District 3.
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