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News Release
Silver Creek fire showing retardant coating vegetation
Silver Creek fire showing retardant coating vegetation
Silver Creek Fire Update 4 (Photo) - 07/16/18

News Release // Oregon Department of Forestry + Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 16, 2018 // 11:50 a.m.

 

Contacts:

Chris Havel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, 503-931-2590, chris.havel@oregon.gov

Bobbi Doan, Oregon Department of Forestry, 503-507-4481, bobbi.j.doan@oregon.gov

 

Silver Creek Fire Update 4

Silverton OR – This is an update on the small fire burning in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. Smoke was first reported late in the evening on Thursday, July 12, and after confirming the location, attack began early on Friday, July 13. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Main points:

  • Containment is currently estimated at 35% with 75% of the perimeter lined. The area is especially challenging for firefighters due to steep slopes, thick undergrowth and numerous large snags posing safety hazards.  
  • Burning in the Howard Creek drainage, a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park boundary. Improved mapping and information from firefighters on the ground, rather than fire growth, has allowed for a more accurate measurement of 27 acres. Initial acreage estimates were hampered by the dense canopy, extensive understory, and limited visibility due to smoke.
  • The number of personnel engaged remains at approximately 125.
  • Today’s aerial support includes a Type 1 helicopter, with Heavy Airtankers and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) available if needed.
  • Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports: the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as incident command posts.
  • Other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events.
  • Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

Photos and videos from Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15 are online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy . Aerial video from Sunday, July 15 is included.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.

 

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