Already-burning Oregon wildfires brought evacuation orders on Saturday while new blazes sparked during a hot and dry day across the state.
Here’s the latest on the major fires burning across the state.
New Bedrock Fire grows to 80-100 acres in Fall Creek area east of Eugene
A wildfire estimated at 80 to 100 acres was reported Saturday afternoon in the popular upper Fall Creek area, according to Willamette National Forest.
The fire, known as the Bedrock Fire, is named for the campground where the blaze originated. The area has frequently burned over the past decade.
“Fire behavior is active in timber,” a fire update late Saturday night said. Smoke could be visible from Highway 58 and the towns of Lowell and Jasper in coming days.
Firefighters “are engaged in suppression efforts and point protection on buildings on private land,” the update added.
A Type 2 team is expected to manage the fire beginning Sunday.
Bedrock Campground and roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed.
“For the safety of firefighters and the public, visitors are asked to avoid the area,” officials added.
Golden Fire brings evacuations, closes Highway 140
The Golden Fire has grown rapidly on Bly Mountain, about 18 miles east of Klamath Falls, to at least 200 acres. It has closed Highway 140E and has brought level 3 evacuations — meaning “go now” — to surrounding properties.
Multiple fire crews and aircraft are currently engaging the fire.
Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Golden Fire to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize more resources to protect life and property.
The Golden Fire began Saturday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m. For the status of Highway 140E, check TripCheck.com for the latest updates.
Red Cross Cascades has opened an evacuation shelter in response to the Golden Fire at Bonanza Schools (31610 Mission St., Bonanza).
Simnasho Fire listed at 1,200 acres on Warm Springs
A wildfire burning west of Simnasho on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation was listed at 1,200 acres Saturday.
“Fire crews worked throughout the night to get a rough line around the fire limiting it to east of Highway 26, south of Highway 9, west of Highway 450 and north of the Warm Springs River,” a Facebook post from the Wildland Fire Management Team for Warm Springs.
“The goal today to keep it within boundaries and limit growth in the SE corner near timbered areas as the wind comes in from the north and west,” the fire crews said.
Flat Fire grows to 18,500 acres
More than 1,000 fire personnel are now staffing Oregon’s largest wildfire, the Flat Fire, which grew to 18,500 acres by Saturday morning.
The fire is burning near the town of Agness near the confluence of the Illinois and Rogue rivers.
Pacific Northwest Team 3 will take over management of the fire and so far, crews have been able to hold the fire within its control lines.
There is a large closure area and a level 2 evacuation warning — meaning “be prepared to go” from Agness to Quosatana Creek. Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone.
Human-caused fire reported on South Sister climbers trail near Moraine Lake
A human-caused wildfire was reported Saturday on the South Sister climbers trail near Moraine Lake Trail. Smokejumpers were dispatched and have a line around a blaze that didn’t grow larger than an acre.
Fire crews “are currently engaged in mop-up and will remain on scene overnight,” Central Oregon Fire information said.
The South Sister climbers trail is one of Oregon’s most popular routes, as it heads to the state’s third-tallest mountain. The trail was not closed Saturday, but it did create a busy situation.
“There are no trail or area closures, however, if folks are in the area please give firefighters plenty of space to safely engage in firefighting operations,” Central Oregon Fire Info said.
The fire was reported at noon Saturday but remained only one-tenth of an acres.
“The fire is human caused,” Central Oregon Fire Information added.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. To support his work, subscribe to the Statesman Journal. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.
What actions have been taken by Governor Tina Kotek in response to the Golden Fire near Klamath Falls, and what measures are being taken to support the affected residents
He Flat Fire, which has grown to 18,500 acres as of Saturday. The fire, located south of Grants Pass, has prompted Level 3 evacuations in the area.
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire is now 10% contained, but hot and dry conditions have made it difficult for firefighters to control the blaze. Multiple resources, including air tankers and helicopters, are being used to fight the fire.
In addition to the Flat Fire, several other fires are burning across the state, including the Bedrock Fire near Eugene, the Golden Fire near Klamath Falls, and the Simnasho Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Evacuation orders and road closures have been issued in these areas.
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Golden Fire, allowing for additional resources to be mobilized. The Red Cross has also opened an evacuation shelter for those affected by the Golden Fire.
Residents are urged to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities. The dry and hot conditions in Oregon have increased the risk of wildfires, and everyone should take precautions to prevent further fires from starting.
