Update 8/14/18 at 3:40 p.m.:
Deputies are no longer searching for Eddie Joseph Correia, Jr. According to the Oregon State Police, Correia is currently receiving medical attention in Medford after a shooting reported in Cave Junction (Josephine County) on August 14, 2018.
The investigation into the August 10 assault in Wimer continues (details in original release). No further updates to that case are available for release at this time.
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WIMER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies are looking for a wanted man suspected of assaulting a man over the weekend. Deputies say Eddie Joseph Correia, Jr., 34, a transient from the Grants Pass area, pointed a handgun at a 19-year-old man at the Wimer Family Market and assaulted him with the help of an accomplice.
On Friday, August 10, 2018, at 8:04 p.m., deputies were dispatched to an assault at the Wimer Family Market, located at 8816 East Evans Creek Road. The caller reported a man armed with a handgun “pistol whipped” the victim in the parking lot. A woman with Correia, later identified as Lindsey Anne Jordan, 29, also struck the victim. The victim was reportedly acquainted with Jordan, but did not know Correia prior to the incident.
Deputies say after the assault, Correia and Jordan fled in a white Dodge pickup with a broken rear window to a residence associated with Jordan in the 6900-block of East Evans Creek Road. A deputy located Jordan as she tried to leave the residence as a passenger in another vehicle. She was taken into custody and later lodged in jail on a charge of third degree assault.
The victim went to the hospital by private vehicle for treatment for facial injuries, described as contusions and lacerations. He was treated and released.
Deputies served a search warrant on the residence in an effort to locate Correia and evidence related to the case. The JCSO SWAT team assisted with the warrant service because Correia was reportedly armed and has a criminal history involving firearms.
Correia was not located at the residence; he is believed to have fled into a wooded area nearby prior to deputies’ arrival. During the search, deputies located a handgun in the residence. It is confirmed whether it is the same firearm used in the assault, or whether Correia has access to additional firearms.
Deputies encountered several people during the warrant service. Kyle Flury Palomino, 26, who was not involved in the assault, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and transported to jail. Palomino was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Deputies believe Correia returned to the residence after the warrant service and fled again in the white Dodge truck. Just after 3:00 a.m., deputies located the truck abandoned about a mile away on Pinegrove Road. Attempts to locate Correia in the area were unsuccessful.
Deputies have probable cause to arrest Correia on charges related to this incident. In addition, Correia has a state-wide (Oregon) felony arrest warrant for violating the terms of his post-prison supervision.
Correia is six feet tall and weighs about 245 pounds. He has numerous tattoos, including the words "GAME" and "OVER" on his eyelids and the number “13 ½” on his throat.
Deputies urge citizens to not approach Correia and to call their local law enforcement agency if they know his whereabouts. Those with other information about the case can call Deputy Adam Osborne at (541) 774-6800. Refer to case #18-16778.
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Update - August 14, 2018 at 10:00 am:
TRAIL, Ore. – Based on recommendations from fire officials managing the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing some evacuation levels on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The affected addresses are in the area of Elk Creek Road, Highway 62, and the dam at Lost Creek Lake. A Citizen Alert notification will be sent today to advise residents affected by the reduced evacuation status.
The following is a complete and updated list of evacuation zones associated with the Miles Fire:
Level 3 "Go":
Trail: Elk Creek Road, 5700-block and above; West Branch Elk Creek Road, upper section (uninhabited); Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses.
Level 2 "Be Set":
Trail: Elk Creek Road, 1600-block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).
Prospect: 4000-block Lewis Road; Ulrich Road, 2500-block.
Level 1 “Be Ready”:
Trail: Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Elk Creek Road, from Highway 62 through the 1200-block; Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses.
Prospect: Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.
Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C . For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ . Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Update - August 13, 2018 at 9:45 am:
PROSPECT, Ore. – Due to progress made by fire crews on the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing evacuation levels in the Prospect area. Zones previously designated as Level 3 “Go” are now Level 2 “Be Set.” Zones previously designated as Level 2 “Be Set” are now Level 1 “Be Ready.”
Affected residents will receive a Citizen Alert notification today to advise them of the reduced evacuation status. At this time, there are no changes to evacuation zones in the Trail/Elk Creek area.
The updated evacuation zones for the Miles Fire now include the following:
Level 3 "Go":
Trail: Elk Creek Road, all addresses above West Branch Elk Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block and the upper section; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).
Level 2 "Be Set":
Trail: Elk Creek Road from Highway 62 to the 1600-block; Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage.
Prospect: 4000-block Lewis Road; Ulrich Road, 2500-block.
Level 1 “Be Ready”:
Prospect: Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.
Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C . For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ . Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Update August 10, 2018:
PROSPECT, Ore. – Due to efforts of fire personnel, and favorable conditions, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing the evacuation level for Ulrich road in the Prospect area.
Level 2 "Be Set": Ulrich Road, 829 and above. This road was previously at Level 3.
For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.
Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Update August 7, 2018:
TRAIL, Ore. – At the recommendation of fire officials managing the Miles (Sugar Pine) fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is upgrading and expanding evacuation zones in the area of Elk Creek and Lost Creek Lake.
The upgraded Level 3 “Go” zone includes two addresses in the area near the intersection of Elk Creek Road and West Branch Elk Creek Road that were previously advised of a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation. Another upgraded Level 3 zone is located on the north side of Lost Creek Road and contains no structures.
Expansion of the Level 2 “Be Set” extends the Elk Creek drainage zone south to Highway 62, and along the west side of Lost Creek Lake, including the dam. Search and rescue personnel will be in the area contacting residents today. Citizen Alert notifications will also be sent to the affected addresses.
The following is an updated list of all current evacuations related to the Miles (Sugar Pine) fire:
Level 3 "Go":
Trail: Elk Creek Road, all addresses above West Branch Elk Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block and the upper section; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).
Prospect: Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road.
Level 2 "Be Set":
Trail: Elk Creek Road from Highway 62 to the 1600-block; Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage.
Prospect: Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.
Refer to the interactive map to check a specific address: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C . For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org . Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .
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Update August 6, 2018:
TRAIL – Due to increased fire activity on the west side of the Miles/Sugar Pine fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is expanding the Level 3 “Go” and Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation zones. These zones do not contain any residences.
The new Level 3 area now includes the upper portion of West Branch Elk Creek Road. The road is already closed to public traffic at the intersection with Elk Creek Road. A Level 2 area is now located to the west and south of the new Level 3 area. Because no residences are affected by the new evacuation zones, no evacuation notices or Citizen Alert notifications will be issued.
The evacuation zones for the Miles/Sugar Pine fire now include the following areas:
Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road; upper section of West Branch Elk Creek Road.
Level 2 "Be Set": Elk Creek Road between West Branch Elk Creek Road and Alco Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; Takelma Drive, along the north side of Lost Creek Lake; Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses; uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road.
For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 . This map is complete and includes all updates to evacuations.
For more information from fire officials, follow the Sugar Pine Fire Information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarPineFireInfo/ . You can also find information on the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .
The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.
Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The joint information center also operates a website with fire information from around the region at http://swojic.blogspot.com/ .
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Update - August 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.:
Following the recommendations of fire officials on the Miles/Sugar Pine fires, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has added a new Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation zone to the south of the existing Level 3 "Go" zone on Elk Creek Road. Two addresses are included in the new zone. Search and rescue personnel have already notified the affected residents in person.
The western boundary of the Level 3 area on Elk Creek Road was also extended. This change is visible on the map, however it does not affect any residences.
Additionally, a Level 2 area was added along the north side of Lost Creek Lake, accessed by Takelma Drive. This zone connects the Level 2 evacuation zone along Elk Creek Road with the existing Level 2 and 3 areas on the east side of the lake. This new evacuation zone does not include any residences.
The evacuation zones for the Miles/Sugar Pine fire area now include the following areas:
Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road.
Level 2 "Be Set": Elk Creek Road between West Branch Elk Creek Road and Alco Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; Takelma Drive, along the north side of Lost Creek Lake; Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.
For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 . This map is complete and includes all updates to evacuations.
For more information from fire officials, follow the Sugar Pine Fire Information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarPineFireInfo/ . You can also find information on the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .
The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.
Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m
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Update 8/2/18 at 7:00 p.m.:
PROSPECT, Ore. - Due to increased fire behavior on the Miles fire, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is expanding the Sugar Pine/Miles evacuation area toward Prospect. The current evacuation zone now includes the following areas in Trail and Prospect:
Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road.
Level 2 "Be Set": Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.
A Level 3 "Go" evacuation means you should not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make further efforts to protect your home. This may be the last notice you receive.
A Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation means you should prepare to leave at a moment's notice; however, this may be the last notice you receive.
Deputies will deliver evacuation notices in person. Those in the affected area will also receive Citizen Alert notifications. For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .
To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.
Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Update July 31, 2018, at 9:25 p.m.:
TRAIL, Ore. - Based on the recommendation of fire officials managing the Sugar Pine fire, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has increased the evacuation advisory for residences in the Elk Creek Road area from Level 2 "Be Set" to Level 3 "Go."
A Level 3 "Go" advisory is now in effect for the following addresses: 8800 to 17600 Elk Creek Road; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek road, all addresses.
A Level 3 "Go" evacuation means you should not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make further efforts to protect your home. This may be the last notice you receive.
Deputies and search and rescue volunteers will deliver notices to these residences in person; however, residents do not need to wait for a notice to vacate their homes. Citizen Alert notifications will be sent to those in the affected area.
To register for future Citizen Alert notifications, go to jacksoncounty.org/alert . Information about evacuation levels and preparedness is available at www.rvem.org .
The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School. An animal shelter is set up at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.
Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305. The Sugar Pine fire is one of several fires managed by an incident management team under the collective name Sugar Pine. For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ . Information on the Miles Fire, part of the South Umpqua Complex can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/ .
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Original release, July 27, 2018:
TRAIL, Ore. – Fire officials are recommending “Level 2” residential evacuations in the Elk Creek area. Both the Sugar Pine fire and Miles fire are creating a potential threat to homes in the area.
As of Friday, July 27, 2018, a Level 2 (BE SET) advisory is in effect for the following addresses: 8800 to 17600 Elk Creek Road; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek road, all addresses.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue personnel are making in-person notifications. Citizen Alert notifications will also be made by phone to those in the affected area.
While homes on Dodes Creek Road and the upper section of Elk Creek Road are still some distance from the fires, officials are concerned that the evacuation route down Elk Creek Road could become compromised if the Sugar Pine fire encroaches toward the intersection of Sugar Pine Road and Elk Creek Road. Residents should consider these concerns when creating their evacuation plans.
To sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.jacksoncounty.org/alert . Information about evacuation levels and preparedness is available at www.rvem.org.
A downloadable map of the evacuation area is included with this release. Evacuation zones have also be added to the interactive fire map: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 . Users are able to search for specific addresses on the interactive map.
The Sugar Pine Fire is one of several fires managed by an incident management team under the collective name Sugar Pine. For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .
The Miles fire is one of several fires that make up the South Umpqua Complex. For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/ .
The Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center is continually updating information about all fires in the region at http://swojic.blogspot.com/ . Those with questions can call the public fire information number at (541) 474-5305. Questions can also be asked via email at einfo@gmail.com">swofireinfo@gmail.com .
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WHITE CITY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies are seeking information on a shooting reported early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at or near the playground next to the White City library.
On August 11, 2018, at 1:34 a.m., a 26-year-old man called 911 to report being shot. Deputies found the man with a minor graze wound, apparently from a small caliber round, on his torso. He also had a laceration on his arm. It is unclear how much time passed between the incident and the call to 911.
The victim was unable to provide many details of the incident; however, he described a verbal and physical altercation occurring between two Hispanic men and himself at the playground just prior to being shot. The victim told deputies the two men left on foot north through a field toward the mobile home park at 2622 Falcon Street.
The victim described one of the men as being approximately 25 years old with slick black hair and a full beard, wearing a puffy jacket. The second man was described only as wearing a black sweatshirt.
Deputies believe other people may have been present during or just before the incident. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333. Refer to case #18-16798.
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Update, 8/9/18 at 2:15 p.m.
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – The search for a missing woman and her two children has ended. Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her daughters, ages 6 and 7, were found Thursday afternoon approximately two miles from their home.
On Thursday, August 9, 2018, at 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 8400-block of Ramsey Road called dispatch to report finding the three missing subjects on his property. They were hiding in a brushy area along Sams Creek.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue (SAR) personnel, who were searching nearby, responded to the location. They found the three were thirsty and hungry, but otherwise safe. Christiansen and her children were checked by medics at the scene, and then transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
No further information is available at this time. SAR officials and detectives wish to thank everyone who looked for the missing family.
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Resending 8/8/18 at 3:47 p.m. with daughters' names included in copy.
Update 8/8/18 at 3:45 p.m. (expanding to Oregon/Washington media outlets) –
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives have joined the search for a missing woman and her two daughters.
While search and rescue crews continue to search the area where Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her daughters, Lily Bloom, 6, and Alexandria Bloom, 7, were last seen, detectives are considering the possibility they could have left the area.
Family members have indicated that Christiansen made statements recently about wanting to travel to the state of Washington. They have concerns that Christiansen may be suffering a mental health crisis.
Detectives say if Christiansen and the girls left the area, they would have needed help. According to family, Christiansen has no phone, no money, and no means of transportation. All three were barefoot when they were last seen.
Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at (541) 776-7206. Refer to case #18-16535.
Refer to prior release (below) for additional details regarding the case.
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Original release, 8/8/18 at 9:08 a.m. -
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue (SAR) personnel are searching for a mother and her two young daughters, last seen Tuesday afternoon. Deputies say the three are considered to be missing and endangered.
On August 7, 2018, at 9:08 p.m., a family member reported Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her two daughters, ages 6 and 7, were missing. The three walked away from the family’s residence in the 2500-block of Holcomb Springs Road at about 10:00 a.m. The family became concerned when they didn’t return home after dark. Additionally, Christiansen has recently exhibited signs of mental illness.
Deputies believe the case is related to a call they received Tuesday afternoon, several hours prior to Christiansen and her daughters being reported missing. A resident on Pelton Lane called dispatch to request a welfare check on a woman and two girls. The resident located the three wandering on her property and gave them a ride to the end of the driveway. They were last seen at about 1:00 p.m. walking on Pelton Lane toward Ramsey Road. Deputies arrived a short time later and checked the area, but did not locate the three subjects.
About a half-mile of trees and fields separate the missing subjects’ home and the location where they are believed to have been spotted Tuesday afternoon. The three were barefoot and reportedly carried some water with them.
Tanda Christiansen is described as a white female adult, five feet, seven inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds. Her brown hair is dyed blue or purple, and she has brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and blue pants.
The oldest girl, 7, has light brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a turquoise shirt. The younger girl, 6, has dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and shorts.
Deputies and SAR personnel are in the area searching and distributing flyers. They ask residents to check their property and outbuildings for any sign of the missing subjects. Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at (541) 776-7206. Refer to case #18-16535.
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Update, August 2, 2018, at 8:00 a.m.:
WIMER, Ore. – At the recommendation of fire officials, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has reduced all evacuation levels related to the Pleasant and Grave fires to Level 1 “Be Ready.” Residents are reminded to monitor local media for updates in the event of changes.
Level 1 (Be Ready): Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek Road; 3760 to 7235 Pleasant Creek Road, 3997 to 36505 Ditch Creek Road, and 155 N Ford Road to 17101 Ford Road.
Regardless of evacuation status, deputies urge all Jackson County residents to be in a Level 1 “Be Ready” state of mind during fire season. Fires can start and spread quickly in both rural and urban areas. Residents should be prepared to protect their families and property before an emergency occurs. For more on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert notifications, go to www.rvem.org .
Fire officials are hosting a community meeting in Wimer on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. to provide information on the Garner Complex fires. The meeting will be held at the Evans Valley Education and Community Center, 8205 E. Evans Creek Road.
Follow the Garner Complex incident management team on Facebook for the latest fire updates: https://www.facebook.com/GarnerComplex2018/ . Information is also available online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ . The Fire Information Center can be reached at 541-474-5305 and is staffed from 7:00am to 11:00pm each day.
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Update, July 29 at 12:30 pm:
Upon recommendation from fire officials, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is lowering evacuation levels in the Pleasant Creek Road area. Addresses most recently in the Level 3 (Go) zone are now Level 2 (Be Set). Addresses most recently in the Level 2 (Be Set) zone are now Level 1 (Be Ready). The updated evacuations zones are as follows:
Level 2 (Be Set): 6392 to 7235 Pleasant Creek Road.
Level 1 (Be Ready): Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek Road; 3760 to 6394 Pleasant Creek Road, 3997 to 36505 Ditch Creek Road, and 155 N Ford Road to 17101 Ford Road.
Those in the affected areas will receive an update from Citizen Alert this afternoon.
People who do not need to be on Pleasant Creek Road should continue to avoid the area. Minimizing traffic helps to keep residents and fire crews safe as the fire operations continue.
Please refer to the interactive map to check a specific address: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840.
The public fire information number is (541) 474-5305 (8 am - 8 pm). Online public information regarding all southern Oregon fires: https://swojic.blogspot.com/ . Garner Complex information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ .
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Update July 23 at 2:30 p.m.:
WIMER, Ore. – As the Grave Fire pushes south, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is expanding the current Level 2 evacuation in the Pleasant Creek area. The following areas are now at Level 2:
LEVEL 2 (Be Set): 3760 to 5090 Pleasant Creek Road, 3997 to 36505 Ditch Creek Road, 155 N Ford Road to 17101 Ford Road (map sections 27, 28, and 29).
Jackson County deputies and search and rescue staff will be in the area providing information and evacuation notices. Residents will also be notified by Citizen Alert. To sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.jacksoncounty.org/alert .
All other evacuation levels remain the same for the Pleasant Creek and Graves Creek area.
A downloadable map attached to this release includes a general area map with current evacuation zones and map sections noted. As before, be aware that some addresses within the address range given may or may not be included in an evacuation zone. The zones are based on geographical areas, not specific address or block numbers. Please refer to the online interactive map to check a specific address: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
National Guard personnel are assisting Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies with road closures to help ensure resident and firefighter safety. A Red Cross Shelter is set up at Grants Pass High School, 830 NE 9th Street, Grants Pass.
For the latest information on the Garner Complex fires, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ . The public fire information number is (541) 474-5305.
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Update July 22 at 5:45 p.m.:
Due to increased fire activity from the Grave #3 fire, the evacuation zone in the Pleasant Creek Road area has been expanded.
Map section 15, previously at Level 2 (Be Set), is now Level 3 (Go). This includes addresses between 6392 and 7235 Pleasant Creek Road. Residents of that area can expect to receive Citizen Alert notifications shortly.
A downloadable map attached to this release includes a general area map with current evacuation zones and map sections noted. As before, be aware that some addresses within the address range given may or may not be included in an evacuation zone. The zones are based on geographical areas, not specific address or block numbers. Please refer to the online interactive map to check a specific address: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
National Guard personnel will be assisting Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies with road closures to help ensure resident and firefighter safety. A Red Cross Shelter is set up at Grants Pass High School, 830 NE 9th Street, Grants Pass.
For the latest information on the Garner Complex fires, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ . The public fire information number is (541) 660-8056.
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Update July 20 at 8:00 pm - Deputies are delivering the new Level 2 evacuation notices Friday night instead of Saturday morning. This affects addresses between 4873 to 5050 Pleasant Creek Road, map section 21.
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Update July 20 at 6:30 p.m. - A portion of the Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation zone on Pleasant Creek Road has been increased to Level 3 (Go). This affects two addresses in map section 10: 7499 and 7948. Deputies are en route to notify residents in person.
Upon recommendation from fire officials, map section 21 will receive Level 2 (Be Set) notifications on Saturday morning. This affects 11 addresses west of the previous Level 2 zone. Residents are urged to prepare now.
To search specific addresses on the interactive fire map, go to http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
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Update 7/19/18 at 1:20 p.m.:
A portion of the Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation zone has been upgraded to a Level 3 (Go) zone. Residents in this area, the easternmost section in the four-section zone, have already been notified in person by Jackson County Search and Rescue. No other changes have been made to the nearby Level 2 evacuation areas.
Jackson and Josephine Counties have collaborated on an interactive map of active fires and evacuation zones in both counties. The map is also searchable by address. Follow this link to view the map: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
Original release, 7/18/18:
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is issuing evacuation notices to 58 addresses due to a fire in the Garner Complex north of Wimer. On the afternoon of July 18, 2018, U.S. Forest Service officials notified JCSO that community notifications were advised based on changes in fire behavior.
JCSO deputies and search and rescue personnel will conduct door-to-door notifications to provide information. Jackson County Emergency Management will send a notification to affected addresses using the Citizen Alert system.
The following evacuation zones are now in effect:
Level 2 “BE SET”: Pleasant Creek Road between the addresses of 5047 and 7948.
Note that a few addresses within that range on Pleasant Creek Road may not receive notifications due to being outside the map sections included in the evacuation advisory. Officials urge all residents in the area to be vigilant for updates. Please refer to the map for reference.
Update (7/19/18) for clarification: Some individual addresses received Level 3 notices in person due to their proximity to the fire (section 14 on the map). This does not affect the other residents in the Level 2 zone. We will keep everyone updated of changes to the evacuation levels.
To sign up for Citizen Alert, visit www.jacksoncounty.org/alert . More information about evacuation levels and preparedness can be found at http://www.rvem.org/ .
For more information on the Garner Complex Fire, visit the fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ . Public information is also available by phone at 541-660-8056.
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CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies say enforcement at the 2018 Country Crossings Music Festival went rather smoothly. For four days, from July 26 to 29, people converged on the Jackson County Expo and nearby camping areas. Of the thousands of attendees, a dozen were arrested or taken to a sobering facility for behavior occurring at the event.
Deputies arrested five people after incidents of disorderly conduct or fighting. One person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol at a festival camping area, and one person was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Deputies say all of the arrests involved people who had been drinking alcohol.
In addition to the arrests, deputies transported five people to the William H. Moore Center (“detox”) because they were too intoxicated to care for themselves. Several more people were escorted from the premises by security or deputies and were not allowed to return for the duration of the festival.
For the first time, JCSO collaborated with Country Crossings organizers on a text notification system to help attendees stay informed. The system was used mainly for traffic and pedestrian reminders.
Deputies say the vast majority of festival attendees went out of their way to make the event enjoyable for everyone. Sheriff Sickler thanks the many agencies and community partners who worked together to make this year’s festival safe.
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Update 7/29/18 at 12:40 p.m.: Following the recommendation of fire officials, the evacuation level on Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek, has been reduced from Level 2 (Be Set) to Level 1 (Be Ready).
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Update 7/25/18 at 2:40 p.m.: Following the recommendation of fire officials, the evacuation level on Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek, has been reduced from Level 3 (Go) to Level 2 (Be Set).
If residents in this area have registered for Citizen Alert since the original evacuation, they will receive a notification at some time today.
No other evacuation levels for the Grave or Pleasant fires have changed.
For information about evacuation levels and other preparedness information, go to www.rvem.org .
Information related to the Garner Complex fires can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ .
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Update, 7/20/18 at 4:40 p.m.: Due to increased fire behavior, the Graves Creek Road area previously designated as a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation has been upgraded to a Level 3 (Go). Residents should leave the area immediately. Others should avoid the area to make room for emergency vehicles.
Deputies are en route to make evacuation notifications in person. Fire and law enforcement officials are working together to determine the need for new evacuation zones in the adjacent areas. In the meantime, residents should remain vigilant and prepare to leave at a moment's notice.
Those who have not registered for Citizen Alert should do so as soon as possible. Go to www.jacksoncounty.org/alert to sign up.
For more information on evacuation levels and preparedness, go to www.rvem.org .
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Original release, 7/20/18 at 8:14 a.m.:
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies made evacuation notices overnight for residents near the Grave #3 fire burning in northwestern Jackson County. This remote area is near the Josephine and Douglas county lines. The Grave #3 fire is part of the Garner Complex, which also includes the Pleasant Creek fire.
Level 2 (BE SET) evacuations were issued for homes on Graves Creek Road, north of Ditch Creek. Seven addresses are affected.
Overnight, deputies hand-delivered evacuation notices to all residents in the affected area. Residents closest to the fire had already lefttheir homes. Because the area is isolated and communications are limited, deputies urge nearby residents to be alert to changes in fire behavior, and to leave if they don't feel comfortable.
No addresses in this evacuation zone have phone numbers or email addresses registered with the Jackson County Emergency Management Citizen Alert program, so no alerts have been sent. To sign up for Citizen Alert, visit www.jacksoncounty.org/alert .
More information about evacuation levels and preparedness can be found at http://www.rvem.org/ .
For more information on the Garner Complex, go to the local Oregon Department of Forestry Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest or to the incident management website at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/ . The public information phone number for the Garner Complex is 541-660-8056.
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Update, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. -
TRAIL, Ore. - Based on recommendations from fire officials, the entire Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation area for the Snowshoe fire has been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready).
A community meeting regarding the Snowshoe fire is scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Rogue Community Center in Shady Cove.
The Snowshoe fire is among the fires in the South Umpqua Complex. For more information, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/ .
The public fire information number is (541) 474-5305.
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TRAIL, Ore. – A Level 2 (BE SET) advisory is now in effect for the following areas: Addresses on the west side of Highway 227 from the Douglas County border to Loper Lane. The addresses of 7544, 7600 on the east side of Highway 227. All addresses on West Fork Trail Creek Road. All addreses on Taylor Road. Loper Lane, addresses of 214 and above.
JCSO search and rescue personnel are making in-person notifications. Citizen Alert notifications will be made to those in the affected area. To sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.jacksoncounty.org/alert .
A downloadable map of the evacuation area is included with this release. Scroll to the bottom and click on the link. Evacuation zones will also be added to the interactive fire map: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .
The Snowshoe Fire is part of the South Umpqua Complex. For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5940/44208/ .
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Update 7/24/18 at 12:00 pm - Fire officials have recommended that all evacuations related to the Hendrix Fire be reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready). This affects all three zones previously designated as Level 2 and 3.
Please continue to avoid the area; some road and area closures may remain in effect as fire crews continue working in the area.
Go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5939/ for information on the Hendrix Fire.
View the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 to check a specific address.
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Original release, 7/18/18 -
RUCH, Ore. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is issuing evacuation notices to 35 addresses due to the Hendrix Fire near Hells Peak, southeast of Ruch. On July 18, 2018, JCSO Search and Rescue teams began a door-to-door effort to advise residents of the evacuations and to provide information.
The following evacuation zones are now in effect:
Level 3 “GO”: Little Applegate Road to Wagner Creek Road, bordered by USFS roads 2040 on the north and 20 on the south. This zone affects two addresses: 16001 Wagner Creek Road and 23000 Little Applegate Road (Wrangle Campground).
Level 2 “BE SET”: The Dog Fork community, from Little Applegate Road to west of Yale Creek Road. This zone contains 31 addresses: 3975 to 4075 Dog Fork Road, and 3812 to 6969 Yale Creek Road.
Level 2 “BE SET”: Wagner Creek Road south of Wagner Gap to USFS road 20. This zone contains two addresses: 3434 McDonald Creek Road and 16099 Wagner Creek Road.
No addresses in these evacuation zones have phone numbers or email addresses registered with the Jackson County Emergency Management Citizen Alert program, so no alerts will be sent. To sign up for Citizen Alert, visit www.jacksoncounty.org/alert . More information about evacuation levels and preparedness can be found at http://www.rvem.org/ .
For more information on the Hendrix Fire, visit the fire information page on the US Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/home/?cid=fseprd587783 . Public information is also available by phone at (541) 632-3567.
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CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - The Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man whose body was found near the Bear Creek Greenway following the Peninger Fire. An autopsy Friday confirmed he died as a result of Tuesday's fire.
Investigators identified the decedent as Robert Lee Walker, 60, through a fingerprint comparison. Following autopsy, Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. James Olson, MD, concluded that Walker died as a result of thermal injuries sustained during the fire on July 17, 2018.
Detectives say Walker was homeless and living along the Bear Creek Greenway. His family has been notified of his death.
On the morning of Thursday, July 19, Walker's body was spotted by Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) and Fire District 3 officials who were surveying the burned area by helicopter. JCSO detectives, Fire District 3 personnel, and a medical examiner investigator responded to the scene.
Detectives continue their investigation into the fire, which was determined to be human caused. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333. Refer to case #18-14794.
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CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are conducting a death investigation in an area burned in Tuesday’s Peninger Fire. Investigators have not yet concluded whether the person died before or during the fire.
On the morning of Thursday, July 19, 2018, JCSO and Fire District 3 officials surveyed the fire area by helicopter. The purpose of the flight was to survey the damage caused by the fire and to help assess needs for future law enforcement and fire suppression efforts along the Bear Creek Greenway.
During the flight, at 11:23 a.m., a body was spotted within the fire perimeter, next to Bear Creek. Deputies cordoned off the area. JCSO detectives, Fire District 3 personnel, and a medical examiner investigator responded to the scene.
The burned body was found to be that of a man. The scene was located near a suspected transient camp.
At this time, detectives are working to identify the man. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death. No further information is available for release at this time.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333. Refer to case #18-14794.
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CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are working with Fire District 3 investigators to determine the cause of the Peninger Fire. Detectives would like to talk to anyone who may have information that will assist in the investigation.
The fire was first reported on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 4:01 p.m. Witnesses described a column of smoke originating from the area of the Bear Creek Greenway, behind the Jackson County Expo and the Family Fun Center. The fire quickly spread to the east, damaging outbuildings and homes. Nobody was injured.
Detectives would like to talk to anyone who was on or near the Bear Creek Greenway between the Expo and Pine Street during the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. They say some people may not realize they have information that could help in the investigation. The number for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line is (541) 774-8333.
Case #18-14794
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Update 7/17/18:
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - The Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office has completed its investigation into the death of Tammy Rae Hicks. Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. James Olson, MD, has ruled Hicks' death as a homicide. The cause of death was determined to be strangulation. Evidence at autopsy showed Hicks died before her body was burned in a trailer fire on June 30, 2018.
Kevin Dean Hicks, Sr. remains lodged in the Jackson County jail on charges related to this case. Any further updates will be released by the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.
Update 7/1/18:
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives say the death at the scene of Saturday’s trailer fire was a homicide. The suspect is in jail, accused of murdering his estranged wife and burning her body.
On June 30, 2018, at 3:17 p.m, deputies responded with Fire District #3 personnel to a trailer fire in the 3100-block of McMartin Lane. The caller indicated a woman was in the trailer, which was fully engulfed before first responders arrived.
Deputies arrested Kevin Dean Hicks, Sr., 52, shortly after arriving at the scene, which was also Kevin Hicks’s residence. Hicks is lodged in the Jackson County jail on charges of murder and second degree abuse of a corpse.
Detectives have presumptively identified the victim as Tammy Raye Hicks, 49, of the 12200-block of Table Rock Road. Investigators with the Jackson County medical examiner’s office say the official identity of the deceased is tentative; they will likely need to rely on dental records or DNA comparisons to make a conclusive identification. An autopsy will take place later this week.
The couple separated after deputies arrested Kevin Hicks on October 15, 2017, for assaulting Tammy Hicks in the presence of their four minor children. Kevin Hicks was arrested again the following day when he contacted Tammy Hicks, in violation of the jail release agreement. The children were not present during Saturday’s incident.
Detectives with the multi-agency Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU), as well as fire investigators, are assisting with the case. The District Attorney’s Office will review the evidence and refer the case to a grand jury. Additional details regarding the incident will not be released at this time.
Case #18-13354
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Original release 6/30/18:
SAMS VALLEY, Ore. -- Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating an apparent death at the scene of a trailer fire. Few details are available for release at this early stage in the investigation.
On June 30, 2018, at 3:17 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting a fire in a trailer in the 3100-block of McMartin Lane. The caller reported a woman was inside the trailer.
Fire District #3 personnel responded to fight the fire, which was fully engulfed. Jackson County Sheriff's Office detectives and an investigator from the medical examiner's office responded to assist with the investigation.
Further information, including the identity of the deceased, will be released at a later time.
Case #18-13354
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