Latest Update:
8:45 p.m. Tuesday:
The Moon Mountain Fire, located on Moon Mountain east of Eugene, is now 100% lined, 100% plumbed with hose and water, and 5% mopped up following Tuesday’s day shift. Despite hot temperatures, windy conditions and low relative humidity, fire activity remained manageable with limited flare up’s, and firefighters were able to hold the fire within the perimeter they’ve created. Accurate GPS mapping has determined the fire is actually 34.4 acres, less than originally estimated. The cause remains under investigation.
On the fire line Tuesday, resources focused on bolstering lines, dug by both hand and bulldozer. When constructing these fire lines, firefighters are actively digging in the vegetation to create a break where the fire hits soil and can no longer spread further. The faster these lines are created, the smaller firefighters are able to keep the fire, allowing for mop-up stages to be reached faster.
Evacuation notices remain in effect . Please visit the city’s evacuation map for more information and continuous updates: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4732/Emergency-Evacuation-Zones.
For Tuesday night, 2 engines are assigned to the fire; their primary goal will be to hold the lines that were dug and strengthened Tuesday, and watch for any potential flare-up’s. Mop-up work will also continue in areas that are clear of hazard trees. Infrared technology will also be used overnight to help firefighters locate hot spots that may not be obvious. Conditions overnight are expected to gradually shift, with temperatures predicted to dip into the high 50’s and light winds diminishing after midnight, helping to naturally decrease fire behavior.
Previous updates:
3:00 p.m. Tuesday: Fire crews hold Moon Mtn Fire at 40 acres A fire in southeast Eugene is 60% contained and an estimated 40 acres in size. The fire started Monday evening at around 6 p.m. in Moon Mountain City Park. Eight homes were evacuated for several hours Monday night and the neighborhood remained under a level 1, "Be ready", evacuation notice Tuesday morning.
The Oregon Department of Forestry Western Lane District took command of the incident from Eugene Springfield Fire overnight, and additional resources arrived this morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire agencies are asking the public to be extremely careful this Fourth of July holiday and follow all fire regulations. Red Flag warnings for fire weather are in effect for the Willamette Valley, including Eugene, through Wednesday.
8:00 a.m. Tuesday, all Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notices remain in place for the Moon Mountain neighborhood. Eugene Springfield Fire said bulldozers and two 18-person crews worked through the night, and the fire is 35% contained. As of this morning, the southeast side of the fire is still burning. The agency said helicopters will be assisting with water drops today. Crews are remaining on alert, as a red flag warning is in place for the entire Willamette Valley due to low humidity, high temperatures, and wind.
As of 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, the Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notice remains in place for the Moon Mountain neighborhood, but residents of the eight homes on Snowberry Road have been allowed to return home. Bulldozers are on the scene to put a hard line around the fire, according to Eugene Springfield Fire. "Crews will evaluate the need for additional resources in the morning in preparation for hot and dry weather conditions" that are expected Tuesday," according to a late night update from Eugene Springfield Fire.
Original story:
Eugene Springfield Fire said Monday evening that a fast-moving wildfire has caused officials to evacuate eight homes on Snowberry Road. The rest of the Moon Mountain neighborhood is on a Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notice. The "Be Ready" status applies to an area that's roughly south and west of Interstate 5, north of 30th Avenue, and east of Augusta St.
As of 9:18 p.m., the fire was reported to be moving in the direction of Bloomberg Rd. and McVey Highway.
The fire is roughly 500 feet away from the houses on Snowberry Road. Eugene Springfield Fire said crews "has crews in place to protect the homes."
The fire was originally reported at 6:02 p.m. and is approximately 40 acres in size, according to fire officials. It is burning in steep terrain, primarily on Eugene Parks land.
According to a press release from Eugene Springfield Fire, the agency is being assisted by crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry and multiple other local area fire departments. Eugene Police are on scene directing traffic.
"Nearby residents should expect to see smoke and fire throughout the night while agencies work to contain the fire," according to the release.