LANE COUNTY, Ore. — A rapidly-growing fire burning in Lane County has grown to 2,720 acres and prompted Level 3 evacuation notices. The fire is 0% contained. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked an Emergency Conflagration Act to make more resources available for firefighters.
The Lookout Fire is burning in the Willamette National Forest north of the community of McKenzie Bridge. Extreme temperatures and gusty winds on Sunday afternoon fanned the flames, fire crews said.
Nick Peters, operation section chief for Northwest Incident Management Team 6, said fire officials are expecting hot, dry and windy conditions again on Monday. "Same potential for fire growth [as Sunday]," Peters said Monday morning. "We're expecting more significant fire behavior due to red flag conditions."
The following areas are under Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation notices as of Sunday at 11 p.m., according to Lane County:
- Taylor Rd.
- North Bank Rd.
- All areas north of Hwy. 126 between Blue River Reservoir Rd. and Drury Ln.
- Mona Campground
- Lookout Campground
- H.J. Andrews Headquarters
The following areas are under Level 1 'Be Ready' notice:
- Areas south of Hwy. 126 from Blue River Reservoir Rd. east to Foley Ridge Rd.
- McKenzie River Dr.
The Red Cross has opened a shelter at Lowell High School (65 Pioneer Street, Lowell).
A non-emergency call center for people under any level of evacuation notice was available until 1 a.m. Sunday and will re-open at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 14. The non-emergency call center is 541-682-2055.
Peters outlined the plan for fire crews Monday.
"Along the northside, we'll be working along Lookout Creek and continuing to prep that area and hold that as the fire backs down to that creek," he said. "Bringing that around to the Lookout Ridge on the east side; we feel there's a high probability of success being able to pick up the fire on the southeast ridge on the Lookout Ridge. And then we'll be dropping down closer to McKenzie Bridge, underneath the Lookout Ridge, moving further to the west and then coming back up around the fire on the west side, tying back in with Lookout Ridge and then bringing it down to the Lookout Creek area."
A total of 350 personnel are currently battling the fire.
“The Lookout Fire has been growing rapidly,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said Sunday. “The next few days are very concerning with continued red flag conditions."
The governor’s Emergency Conflagration Act clears the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local crews in battling the fire.
Lookout Fire information
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023
- Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov
- Fire information (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.): 541-225-6305
- Sign up for emergency alerts: www.lanealerts.org
Here's what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.