Oregon Public Broadcasting

A fire in Southern Oregon prompted the evacuation of several homes and businesses in Ashland Monday.

The fire was threatening structures on the south-east edge of Ashland and was close enough to town that fire officials called on about fifty families to clear out.

Pacific Power turned off electricity to some areas, just in case.

Jay Domis, with Jackson County says the power shutdowns and evacuations are just a precaution. He says the weather hasn't been conducive to fire containment, with temperatures around a hundred, and wind driving the flames.

Jay Domis  "As I look out the window right now, I can see the wind blowing through the trees in downtown Medford. Ashland is notorious for having even more windy conditions than Medford."

The fire has consumed 80 to 100 acres and two structures.    Domis said the cause of the fire isn't known yet. 

Governor Kulongoski has ordered the state police and state fire marshal to mobilize additional state resources to help fight the fire.