Major Firefighter Call-Out Slows Spread of Wildfire in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG, Ore. - A fast-growing wildfire that broke out on Friday afternoon north of Eugene has covered approximately 200 acres by nightfall, threatening homes in the area. However, officials have reported that a major call-out of firefighters has helped slow down the spread of the fire.
The Priceboro Fire was first reported around 3:15 p.m. on Priceboro Drive, east of Harrisburg, about eight miles northeast of Eugene. As a result, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Forestry issued Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations for approximately 60 homes, with nearby areas receiving Level 2 (GET READY) evacuation alerts.
Although the fire was visible from I-5, the highway remained open.
In response to the wildfire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two task forces to assist in battling the blaze. Fortunately, the fire had not reached any homes at the time of the report. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, according to the sheriff’s office.
Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascade District, along with two task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, local districts, and private contractors, played a significant role in slowing down the fire’s progression, officials confirmed on Friday night.
Throughout Friday evening, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) crews launched a strong initial attack, utilizing seven aircraft, 14 engines, two hand crews, four tenders, and three dozers. As the night progressed, crews continued to establish dozer and handline perimeters around the fire in an effort to contain it within its current footprint. Additional resources have been ordered and will join the firefighting efforts on Saturday morning.
ODF District Forester Chris Cline emphasized the challenging conditions that firefighters faced, stating, “Because of these unseasonably dry conditions and strong winds, we had some incredible fire behavior out there. Our crews provided a strong initial attack, and we dropped a lot of water and retardant on the fire to slow the rate of spread. The fire is currently holding around 200 acres, and we feel confident we can hold it there. We intend to grab the fire tonight and hope to start securing the edges heading into Saturday.”
Cline also urged the public to be cautious due to the hot and dry conditions, saying, “With these near-extreme conditions, we need the public’s help to keep fire off the landscape. The vegetation is very receptive to fire, so we’re asking the public to be mindful and do their part.”
As firefighters continue their efforts to contain the wildfire, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay updated on evacuation orders and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
How are residents being advised to prepare and respond to the ongoing fire emergency
Firefighters worked diligently throughout the evening, using helicopters and water-dropping aircraft to contain the blaze. They managed to establish containment lines and prevented the fire from spreading further.
The efforts of the firefighters paid off as the fire’s spread was significantly slowed down. By nightfall, the fire had only covered around 200 acres, thanks to the quick response and coordination of the fire crews.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe that dry conditions and strong winds contributed to its rapid spread. However, the actions taken by the firefighters have undoubtedly helped to protect the homes in the area.
Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries or casualties have been reported as of now. The evacuation orders remain in place, ensuring the safety of residents until the fire is completely under control.
The firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the night and into the following days. Crews will be working tirelessly to fully contain the fire and ensure the safety of both the residents and the surrounding areas.
Local residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow the instructions of authorities. It is essential to be prepared and have an evacuation plan ready in case the situation worsens. The cooperation and support of the community are crucial in dealing with such emergencies.
This major call-out of firefighters and the swift response have undoubtedly made a significant difference in slowing down the spread of the wildfire. The bravery and dedication of these first responders should be commended as they continue to battle against this devastating blaze.
Great job, firefighters! Thank you for your bravery and dedication in keeping our community safe.