News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department + Oregon Department of Forestry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 15, 2018 // 11 a.m.
Contacts:
Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, chris.havel@oregon.gov
Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov
Silver Creek Fire Update 3
Silverton OR – This is an update on the small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12, and after confirming the location, attack began early on Friday, July 13.
Main points:
- It’s burning in the Howard Creek drainage, a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park boundary. The fire is currently estimated at 27 acres (see attached rough map). A good portion of the change in acreage over the last day is due to improved mapping and information from firefighters on the ground rather than fire growth. Initial acreage estimates were hampered by the dense canopy, extensive understory, and limited visibility due to smoke.
- Containment is currently estimated at 25%. The area is especially challenging for firefighters due to steep slopes and the nature of a mature forest; thick undergrowth slows progress and snags pose a falling hazard. Firefighter and public safety remains priority for all involved.
- The number of personnel engaged is approximately 125.
- The current aerial support includes two Type 2 helicopters and a Type 1 helicopter. Heavy Airtankers and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) are on standby if needed.
- Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports: the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as incident command posts.
- All other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events. Visitors are enjoying the Historic Silver Falls Day event (https://silverfallsstatepark.wordpress.com/category/historic-silver-falls-days/), and the Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center (http://silverfallslodge.com/) continues to serve customers, including a wedding reception.
- Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.
Photos and videos from Saturday, July 14 are online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy
No injuries or facility damage have been reported.
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