Jack Fire Along North Umpqua River Grows to 900 Acres Overnight

The Jack Fire, burning along the North Umpqua River 24 miles east of Glide has grown to over 900 acres overnight. The fire is 0% contained and is moving to the Northwest. Currently no structures are threatened by the fire. The Jack Fire started about 5pm along Highway 38 after a tire blew out on a boat trailer according to witnesses on scene just after the fire started. The fire is burning on the north side of Highway 138 just a few miles east of the Archie Creek Fire burn scar. The entire fire area is under extreme drought conditions which have helped the fire grow very quickly. Highway 138 Closure ODOT: SW Oregon: OR 138E, North Umpqua Highway, Due to wildfire, the highway is closed to traffic between MP 40 (Steamboat) and 47 (Dry Creek Store). No estimated time on reopening. Use alternate routes. Here is the latest update from Umpqua National Forest: "Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire near Steamboat, approximately 30 miles east of Glide, Oregon on the North Umpqua Ranger District. The Jack Fire, which is currently estimated at 900 acres, was reported on Monday, July 5, 2021 at 5 p.m. and is burning in grass and timber east of Jack Creek road (Forest Service road 4713) and west of Jack Creek. Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and local resources utilized smoke detection cameras located on Mt. Scott, near Glide to isolate the point of ignition, as a result, firefighters and local resources started initial attack immediately upon locating the wildfire. The fire was very active throughout the afternoon and moderated down during the night. A section of state highway 138, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, or locally known as Diamond Lake Highway was closed by Oregon department of Transportation (ODOT) between mile post (MP) 40 (Steamboat) and MP 47 (Dry Creek Store). A Forest closure order will soon be in effect, details to follow. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Numerous resources aided in initial attack efforts including mutual aid from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) as well as support from a type 3 interagency crew, which arrived last night. Resources currently assigned include 9 engines, 2 hand crews, 3 water tenders, 3 heavy lift helicopters, 1 light helicopter, 3 air tankers, and 2 fixed wings (with lead plane). The Forest will in brief the Type 2 Incident Management Team today at 6 p.m. The health and safety of the public and wildland fire fighters is a top priority. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist, so please be careful and stay clear of the incident. Fire danger remains HIGH and public use restrictions are in effect. There will be a briefing at 6 pm this evening, so we will have another update this evening and as information comes available.