Multi-Agency Response Highlights Regional Cooperation During Forks Park Vegetation Fire - Illinois Valley Fire District - 08/10/26
Multi-Agency Response to Vegetation Fire Near Forks Park / Westside Road
Illinois Valley Fire District
August 10, 2026
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD), along with numerous local, state, federal, and private partners, responded to a reported vegetation fire in the area of Forks Park and Westside Road.
The initial dispatch was for a reported vegetation fire within the park. As responding units were going en route, a significant column of smoke was visible from the incident. Recognizing the potential for rapid fire growth and the need for additional resources, Illinois Valley Fire Chief John Holmes upgraded the incident to a second-alarm vegetation fire while units were responding. The second-alarm assignment brought additional resources from Rural Metro Fire and Grants Pass Fire to the incident to assist with fire suppression and structure protection efforts.
Upon arrival, a coordinated incident command structure was established with IVFD working alongside the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Battalion 89 and additional crews were diverted to the Westside Road area to provide structure protection as fire conditions continued to develop. Chief Holmes assumed Structure Branch, coordinating structural fire resources and protection needs in the affected area. Due to the terrain, fire conditions, and resources necessary to effectively control the incident, the assignment was subsequently upgraded to a third alarm.
As the incident continued to develop, additional resources were requested through Rogue Valley II, including a Wildland Task Force consisting of resources from Fire District #3, Fire District #5, Medford Fire, and Ashland Fire. These resources were initially requested for an emergency response to the incident. As conditions improved and resources already on scene made progress, the incoming response was downgraded. Those resources then assisted by providing station coverage in the Grants Pass area until they were released from the assignment.
Working in close coordination with ODF, firefighting aircraft were assigned to the incident along with ODF hand crews. Ground resources from local, state, federal, and private firefighting organizations worked together throughout the incident to suppress the fire, protect structures and the surrounding area, and support the overall operation.
This incident also demonstrated the importance of maintaining adequate local staffing. The Illinois Valley community was fortunate to have approved the recent levy, which allows the District to maintain firefighters on shift and ensures personnel are available to respond when emergencies occur. During a rapidly developing incident such as this one, having firefighters immediately available is critical to initiating an effective response, protecting structures, and coordinating incoming mutual-aid resources. IVFD sincerely appreciates the continued support and trust of the community.
The Illinois Valley Fire District would like to recognize and sincerely thank the numerous agencies, organizations, dispatchers, firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement personnel, support staff, and others who contributed to the response:
Illinois Valley Fire District; Rural Metro Fire; Grants Pass Fire; Oregon Department of Forestry; U.S. Forest Service – Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; Bureau of Land Management; Grayback Forestry; American Medical Response (AMR); Josephine County Sheriff’s Office; Fire District #3; Fire District #5; Medford Fire; Ashland Fire; Grants Pass 911 Communications/Josephine County 911; and Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon.
IVFD also extends a huge shoutout and special thank you to Shop Smart for stepping up at the last minute to provide food for our crews. With power out in the area and firefighters committed to an extended incident, their willingness to quickly help feed personnel was greatly appreciated.
IVFD would also like to recognize and thank City of Cave Junction Mayor Jesse Dugas for the tremendous support he provided to the community throughout the day. With the fire incident and power outage affecting the area, Mayor Dugas' efforts to assist and support community members were greatly appreciated. It takes more than emergency responders to successfully manage the impacts of an incident, and yesterday was another example of our community coming together when it was needed.
The combined efforts demonstrated during this incident are an example of the level of service and cooperation committed to protecting the communities of Josephine County and Southern Oregon. From the initial dispatchers receiving the call, to the firefighters and equipment responding from throughout the region, to aircraft and hand crews working the fireline, to agencies providing station coverage so emergency services remained available elsewhere, this was truly a coordinated regional effort.
The Illinois Valley Fire District especially recognizes its career and volunteer members who responded and worked alongside our mutual-aid partners. Incidents of this size require significant coordination, resources, and teamwork, and we are grateful for the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved.
Thank you to all of our responding agencies, cooperating partners, dispatch centers, community partners, and community members for supporting the mission of protecting lives, property, and our communities.
Illinois Valley Fire District
