Fire destroys much of Southern Oregon resort

MERLIN, Ore. — A fire has destroyed much of a resort on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, authorities said.

The Rural Metro fire department in Josephine County confirmed a “major fire incident” around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Galice Resort west of Grants Pass, The Statesman Journal reported.

Local, state and federal agencies responded to put out the blaze. The resort’s restaurant and store burned, while the lodge may have been less impacted, authorities said.

Oregon Forestry officials said the blaze spread to the wildland, igniting five small fires around the property, and that firefighting helicopters and a plane were used in addition to firefighters on the ground.

Rural Metro firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire. Fire officials said no injuries were reported.

The Galice Resort has been at the center of Rogue River rafting and outdoor culture. It has a restaurant overlooking the river and cabins for rent, and it offers shuttles, river trips and rentals.

Mary Lou Thomason — whose family has owned the combination restaurant, store and rafting service since 1981 — told the Grants Pass Daily Courier, “It went so fast.”