A new fire was reported on the Willamette National Forest near Terwilliger Hot Springs on Sunday.
The fire is estimated to be around 110 acres, approximately 4 miles south of Highway 126 on Aufderheide Scenic Highway, Forest Service Road 19. Visitors are advised to avoid the area.
Firefighting resources include engines and aircraft from the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry. Conditions are exceptionally dry causing the fire to grow quickly.
While the cause of the fire hasn’t been determined, McKenzie River District Ranger Darren Cross says “forest conditions are very receptive to fire starts and growth right now” and he reminds campers that campfires outside designated campgrounds within the Willamette National Forest are banned.
Smoke from this fire may be visible from the communities of McKenzie Bridge, Rainbow and portions of Highway 126.