Blackwell Fire Prompts Evacuations
ODF Confirms a fire at Hilton Landscape Supply sparked a wind-driven grassfire near Tolo Road and rural Central Point.
UPDATE, 6:20 p.m.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says evacuation levels will remain in place overnight out of an abundance of caution.
Zone JAC-229 remains at Level 2 “Be Set” to evacuate. Zone JAC-231 remains at Level 1 “Be Ready” to evacuate.
Overnight roadblocks will remain at the following intersections:
Tolo Road and Blackwell Road
Tolo Road and Nellis Road
Merita Terrace and Blackwell Road
JCSO said Kirtland Road and Blackwell Road are open, but drivers should use caution due to heavy firefighter traffic in the area.
Residents who were initially evacuated by first responders may now return home unless they feel unsafe doing so. Returning residents should check in at roadblocks and provide proof of residency.
All others are asked to continue avoiding the area while firefighters remain actively engaged.
ODOT: Blackwell Road (OR 99) and Kirtland Road (OR 140) have reopened north of Central Point. Fire crews are still working in the area. Use caution and expect delays.
[Editor’s note: This will likely be HWD’s final update of the night unless conditions change or new emergency information is released.]
UPDATE, 5:35 p.m.
Jackson County Fire District 3 says forward progression of the grassfire moving east toward Blackwell Road has been stopped.
Fire officials said active fire remains in log decks near Tolo Road and in piled material within the fire perimeter. Barring a sudden change in fire behavior, officials said they do not expect the perimeter to expand significantly beyond its current footprint.
Fire District 3 said several responding units were instrumental in saving homes, with multiple homes critically at risk during the fire response.
All current evacuation levels remain in place.
UPDATE, 5:00 p.m.
ODF Southwest Oregon says firefighters remain engaged on the Blackwell Road fire and are working to hold it within its current footprint. The fire is now estimated at approximately 30 acres.
UPDATE, 4:36 p.m.
Jackson County Fire District 3 says the Blackwell Road fire has grown into a third-alarm incident. A regional strike team of water tenders has arrived to assist, along with multiple engines and brush units.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Evacuation notices and road closures have been issued near rural Central Point and White City after a wind-driven fire spread Monday afternoon from a pallet fire at Hilton Landscape Supply.
ODF Southwest Oregon said its crews, Jackson County Fire District 3 and additional local resources are engaged in an aggressive initial attack on a grassfire along Tolo Road in White City. ODF said the fire started as a pallet fire at Hilton Landscape Supply and is currently estimated at 5 to 10 acres.
The fire is being driven by high winds, according to ODF. Firefighters are actively building line and working to stop the forward spread.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Emergency Management have issued a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notice for zone JAC-229 and a Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice for zone JAC-231. Both zones are near the 8000 block of Blackwell Road.
[Watch live regional views anytime on the HWD Weather Camera Network.]
The fire was first reported around 3:02 p.m. Monday, May 25, according to Fire District 3. Officials initially reported a second-alarm bark fire in the 8000 block of Blackwell Road, with the response upgraded due to wind-driven spread.
Multiple agencies and fire crews are on scene working to contain the fire.
Officials are asking people to avoid the area and use caution for responding emergency vehicles.
Fire District 3 also reported crews are responding to multiple calls involving downed trees and power line problems as high winds continue across the area.
Evacuation NoticeS
Jackson County evacuation zones JAC-229 and JAC-231 are under evacuation notices related to the Blackwell Road fire near rural Central Point. Map courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Zone JAC-229: Level 2 “Be Set”
A Level 2 “Be Set” notice means there is significant danger in the area and residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Residents in this zone should follow their emergency plan, gather essential supplies, identification, medications, pets and important items, and be prepared to relocate to a safe place outside the affected area.
Officials say this may be the only notice residents receive. Anyone who feels unsafe should leave and should not wait for another evacuation notice.
Zone JAC-231: Level 1 “Be Ready”
A Level 1 “Be Ready” notice means residents should be aware of the danger, stay informed and prepare in case conditions change.
Residents in this zone should monitor official updates, review evacuation plans and be ready to leave if the evacuation level increases.
Road Closure
ODF Southwest Oregon said Tolo Road is currently closed while first responders work to stop the spread of the fire.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said Blackwell Road, also known as Oregon 99, is closed at Kirtland Road, also known as Oregon 140, north of Central Point due to the fire.
ODOT said traffic at Interstate 5 Exit 35 is also affected. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use TripCheck.com for updates.
Shelter and Information
Residents who need emergency shelter can call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text their ZIP code to 898211.
TTY users can dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text support is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.
Officials ask residents not to call 911 unless they are experiencing an immediate life safety emergency.
This is a developing story. HWD Firewatch will update as more confirmed information becomes available.
Cover image: Fire burns in the 8000 block of Blackwell Road near rural Central Point early in the response Monday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Fire District 3.
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