Lines hold, more progress seen on 310-acre Priceboro Fire NE of Eugene, now 45% contained

(Update: Sunday evening update)

HARRISBURG, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Priceboro fire that broke out Friday afternoon near Harrisburg, about eight miles northeast of Eugene, has been more precisely mapped at about 310 acres, as crews bring it to 45% containment.

Here's Sunday evening's update from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

As mop-up efforts continue, firefighters push containment to 45%. Mop-up operations consist of firefighters pushing into the burned areas to remove unburnt vegetation and extinguish hot spots.

Areas of the fire perimeter that are extinguished and mopped up are considered contained, which is a term used to describe firefighter confidence that the fire won’t reheat and escape. Residents should expect to see light smoke from the fire as hot spots cool.  

Suppression efforts are being managed by a Type 3 incident management team and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascade District. In total, there are 225 firefighters, with crews from ODF, local fire districts, protective associations, forest landowners and private contractors.

As mop up continues and fire activity diminishes, some firefighting resources are released to other active regions to increase readiness across the state. Fire officials have released aircraft to greater needs, but one helicopter will remain on the fire. 

Crews completely lined the fire Saturday with dozer and handline, which they refer to as control line. During mop-up operations, firefighters push into the burned areas to remove unburned vegetation and extinguish hot spots, to consider that portion of the perimeter contained. 

Evacuation changes: The Linn County Sheriff’s Office downgraded some evacuation levels Saturday, August 6. See the sheriff’s office website for details: www.linnsheriff.org/2023/08/2803/

The Priceboro Fire is located eight-miles northeast of Eugene outside of Harrisburg. The fire started around 4 p.m. on Friday. The cause is under investigation. The public should expect to see aircraft and smoke above the fire tomorrow.