Santiam Park Fire at 189 acres; 80 percent lined
The Santiam Park Fire, reported Tuesday afternoon near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off Highway 22 near Lyons, was mapped at nearly 190 acres Wednesday, but crews had it 80 percent lined, with all evacuations lifted, officials said late in the day.
Unified command, consisting of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Linn County Sheriff’s Office and Lyons Fire Department, made Wednesday’s objective clear for crews: “Fight fire aggressively and safely,” the Oregon Department of Forestry reported in an update.
With improved weather conditions, crews were able to meet that objective, building upon and strengthening containment lines. Crews continued to work on mop-up, locating and extinguishing hot spots, and falling snags. As of late Wednesday afternoon, no structures had been lost and no injuries reported.
“Some folks seem surprised to see this fire on the landscape in March,” said Incident Commander Blake Ellis, “but as firefighters, we are trained to consider the conditions, not the calendar. The dedication of the local fire departments and crews, combined with the involvement and support of the local community, continues to impress me.”
After successful initial attack and reduced fire activity, ground crews were able to walk the line with GPS, obtaining a more accurate perimeter line, mapping the fire at 189 acres, up from the 60-acre estimate late Tuesday.
With no significant fire growth since Tuesday, the increased acres reported are a direct result of improved mapping in steep and rugged terrain, officials said.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, evacuation levels in both Linn and Marion counties were lifted.
About 85 personnel were engaged on the fire, including crews from ODF, the Lyons Fire Department, Mill City Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department and other local agencies. Resources involved include a Type 2 helicopter as well as multiple bulldozers and engines.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reports that 42 homes and 30 outbuildings initially were threatened by the fire.
The Office of State Fire Marshal said it wants to remind residents to make sure their homes are protected from wildfire. The start of spring is a good time to take these steps:
Keep roofs, gutters, and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris. Remove dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your house. Prune trees and have grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by firecrews.
Remember, call before you burn yard debris. Residents should check with their local fire agency or air protection authority to learn if there are any burning restrictions and if a permit is required.
Homeowners have a responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space. For more information, visit the websites for the Office of State Fire Marshal, Keep Oregon Green, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.
