Wildfire near Oakridge stopped at 54 acres

The Bald Butte Fire southeast of Oakridge grew to 52 acres Monday after crews successfully, lined, plumbed and burned out the late-season fire, Willamette National Forest officials said Tuesday.

The fire was ignited Saturday by a burning car in the woods about fourr miles northeast of Oakridge on the slopes above Hills Creek Reservoir.

Crews from the Middle Fork Ranger District were monitoring hot spots and checking the line Tuesday, said forest Public Affairs Officer Jude McHugh. She said residents might continue to see some smoke, especially as the afternoon weather warms and the breeze kicks up a little.

Because of the steep and dangerous slopes, crews will be conducting burnout operations rather than fighting the fire more directly.

Middle Fork Ranger Deputy District Ranger Darren Cross said, “This fire is an unfortunate, but timely reminder about how very dry the fuels are out there.”

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