ODF Southwest says forward progress has been stopped on the Hilt Fire burning near the 2000 block of Colestin Road in southern Jackson County. The grass fire is estimated at 15 to 20 acres, with Level 1 evacuation notices issued for zones JAC-564 and JAC-566.

A mower sparked a grass fire Sunday afternoon on Ament Road near Moon Mountain, according to Rural Metro Fire. Firefighters from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire and ODF Southwest Oregon District controlled the fire at 1.75 acres with no structural damage reported.

Fire investigators say the Blackwell Road Fire near Central Point was accidental and began from spontaneous heating inside a large mulch pile. Strong winds pushed the fire through nearby materials, across Tolo Road and into grass fields, burning a combined 50 acres.

Evacuation levels have been reduced 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 says no homes were lost or damaged, though several outbuildings and industrial-type buildings were damaged inside the fire area.

Fire season begins Friday, May 15, on ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties. ODF Southwest Oregon District says the declaration starts at 12:01 a.m. and brings new restrictions on debris burning, fireworks, campfires, smoking, and other fire-risk activities.

Firefighters stopped the spread of the Carney Flat Fire southeast of Prospect after an overnight response, holding the fire at 23 acres. ODF crews continued mop-up work Saturday and said firefighters will remain on scene until all remaining hot spots are extinguished.

ODF Southwest Oregon District says firefighters are responding to small lightning-caused fires in Jackson County after weekend thunderstorms moved through the region. Four fires have been reported so far, with two extinguished and crews checking additional reports near East Antelope Road and northwest of Trail.