Breitenbush Hot Springs put on Level 2 evacuation notice

Marion County Emergency Management issued a Level 2 evacuation notice Sunday for the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area and a portion of the Willamette National Forest north of Highway 46 in the Breitenbush drainage.

The area includes the Humbug and Breitenbush Campgrounds, the Fox Creek and Cleator Bend Group Sites, and the Short Mountain and Bald Butte Trailheads. The notice is in response to wildfires currently burning within approximately two miles of the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area.

A Level 2 evacuation notice alerts those within the evacuation area that there is significant danger in the area, and that residents and visitors should either voluntarily relocate outside the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

There are currently several active wildfires in the North Santiam Canyon including the Whitewater Fire, Little Devil Fire, and the Scorpion Fire which is threatening the Breitenbush area.

The Marion County cities of Detroit and Idanha are not included in this evacuation notice.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the region until 10 PM PDT Tuesday for significantly dry and unstable conditions. Residents and visitors are reminded that a burn ban remains in effect in Marion County. The ban prohibits all fires, including recreational, backyard, and fire pits in parks and campsites. For specific questions, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire district.