SILVERTON, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make good progress mopping up the Silver Creek fire, located in a remote southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park. The fire has been mapped at approximately 27 acres and no further growth is expected; it is 100% lined and 55% contained. Around 125 personnel remain on the fire, and will continue mopping up the fire’s perimeter, as well as removing dangerous snags.

Investigators have officially determined the fire was caused by lightning, most likely from a storm that passed over the area on June 18, 2018. Known as a lightning holdover, the fire smoldered for several weeks before emerging during a windy period with high temperatures, low relative humidity and drier fuels on the ground.

While some closures remain in the park, there are no interruptions to scheduled events. Waterfall areas remain accessible to visitors during normal park hours. Visitors may notice light smoke at times, but the fire is not anticipated to produce heavy smoke.

More details:

—A June 18, 2018 lightning event initially caused the fire. The ignition went undetected for several weeks as the fire smoldered until fuel and weather conditions allowed it to grow. Initial reports of smoke first came in late on July 12 and crews located the fire on July 13. Air resources dropped water and retardant to help stop the fire’s spread as crews worked to gain access on the ground.

—Crews will continue heavy mop-up around the fire perimeter for the next several days. Mop-up includes working from the perimeter into the fire’s interior, ensuring all heat has been extinguished. Mop-up is especially challenging on this fire because of thick brush, a heavy layer of duff and dangerous snags. Firefighters have been carefully removing large snags around the fire’s perimeter. Night crews have used infrared cameras to help identify hot spots. Fire managers anticipate maintaining current staffing levels for the next several days to continue this work and secure the fire area.

—A Type II helicopter remains on standby in Salem to support work on the fire.

—Park closures: The 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, and the youth camp (Camp Silver Creek) remain closed. The Ranches have been reopened. Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.

Photos and videos from Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15 remain available online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy.

No injuries or facility damage have been reported.