Fire at Silver Falls State Park prompts camp evacuation

(Update: Fire estimated at 10 acres, other details)

A small wildfire in a southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park on Friday prompted evacuation of a YMCA youth camp and closure of several backcountry trails.

The fire was reported at 10 p.m. to have burned an estimated 10 acres of steep, timbered terrain, creeping through heavy timber near the eastern boundary of Oregon’s largest state park, located near Silverton and southeast of Salem.

The Drakes Crossing Fire District and the Oregon Department of Forestry responded with aircraft and 30 personnel.

ODF and local fire crews were engaged with a heavy air tanker, single-engine air tankers (SEAT planes), helicopters and ground support. More crews are expected to join the fight early Saturday.

Camp Silver Creek, a YMCA youth camp, was in use, but all children and staff, about 142 youth and several dozen staff left between 4 and 5 p.m.,

Other areas of the park are scheduled to be open Saturday, but officials advised visitors there will be abundant forefogjter equipment and aircraft in the area. Anyone planning to visit the park this weekend were advised to wait for more information about the fire.

No injuries or facilities damage were reported.

Updates will be posted here: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_featureArticle&articleId=135