New SW Oregon wildfire grows fast to 1,500 acres, prompts Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices

LAKECREEK, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new fire in southwest Oregon grew to an estimated 1,500 acres by Sunday night, but Oregon Department of Forestry officials said air tankers were able to complete temporary containment lines, helping firefighters work overnight on permanent ones.

The Salt Creek Fire was reported on Salt Creek Road, north of Lakecreek. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 BE READY evacuation notice and went door to door, though deputies said no structures were threatened as of Sunday evening.

Hot, windy conditions and dry vegetation on steep slopes fueled the fire’s advance. Some area roads were closed, but state Highway 140 remained open.

Crews were coming from across Oregon to help solidify those lines and keeping the fire as small as possible, using bulldozers and hand tools.