A fast-moving wildfire in Southern Oregon has grown rapidly, prompting evacuation orders as firefighters work to contain flames burning near Rogue River and Interstate 5.
The Fielder Mountain Fire was discovered Thursday, August 13, 2026, at approximately 3:05 p.m. The blaze initially covered only a few acres but expanded quickly in hot, windy conditions and difficult terrain. By Friday, officials estimated the fire at approximately 550 acres.
Oregon Department of Forestry officials have deployed a Complex Incident Management Team to take command of the response. Firefighters have been using ground crews, dozers, engines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to slow the fire’s spread.
Mandatory “Go Now” evacuation orders have been issued for areas around Rogue River, while thousands of additional residents in Jackson and Josephine counties have been placed under lower-level evacuation advisories.
Interstate 5 remains open, although travelers should expect delays, particularly northbound, while several local roads have been closed because of fire activity and emergency operations.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports indicated that tires on a semi-truck caught fire and that flames spread into nearby vegetation, but authorities have not finalized the cause.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to monitor official evacuation information closely as conditions can change rapidly.
The Fielder Mountain Fire remains an active emergency, with firefighters continuing efforts to protect communities and establish containment lines.