SILVERTON, Ore. – Crews working on the Silver Creek fire overnight used an infrared camera to look for hot spots within the fire’s perimeter. Results show crews have made good progress with mop-up operations as they continue to improve lines and extinguish remaining heat. The fire remains at 27 acres and is now 65% contained. Approximately 115 personnel continue to work on the fire. Most of the snags that have posed a threat to firefighter safety are now removed, though some hazard trees remain. Smoke can still be seen from areas of remaining heat, which includes several large standing trees that continue to smolder. Crews will remain focused on mop up for the next couple days.

Visitors to Silver Falls State Park will find pleasant conditions. Light smoke may be visible at times, but heavy smoke is unlikely. Other fires burning in the region may be responsible for increased haze in the area. While some closures remain in the park, there are no interruptions to scheduled events. Waterfall areas remain accessible to visitors during normal park hours.

Supporting media will be available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5938/.

More details:

—Investigators have officially determined the fire was caused by lightning, most likely from a storm that passed over the area on June 18, 2018. Oregon Department of Forestry fire crews routinely track and investigate lightning strikes, though tracking technology is imperfect. Embers can remain hidden within trees or thick duff for weeks or months – producing no visible smoke – before emerging as weather and fuel conditions change. On Silver Creek, initial reports of smoke first came in late on July 12 and crews located the fire on July 13.

—The Silver Creek Fire demonstrates how changing weather and fuel conditions impact fire behavior. As we move into the hottest and driest part of the year, fire danger increases significantly. Keep informed about current fire restrictions by visiting the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Website:  https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.

—A Type II helicopter remains on standby in Salem to support work on the fire. Fire managers have been using this platform to minimize fire activity during the hottest period of the day.

—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.

—No injuries or facility damage have been reported.