Update (Saturday, 8/5/23 5:15 p.m.): The evacuation level for the area east of I-5 on Coleman Road has been downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready).
The Linn County Sheriff's Office recommends local residents sign up for emergency alerts through the Linn-Benton ALERT emergency notification system, by visiting https://www.linnsheriff.org/commu.../emergency-preparedness/.
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Update (Saturday, 8/5/23 6:30 a.m.):
Fire crews from several agencies launched a massive response to the Priceboro Fire Friday night, mobilizing seven aircraft, 14 engines, two hand crews, four tenders, and three dozers in efforts to slow the spread of the blaze.
Overnight, crews continued to place dozer and handline around the fire. Additional resources were ordered and joined the firefighting efforts Saturday morning.
Fire managers say a portion of the fire was stopped a quarter mile from a subdivision, and crews were able to save a cabin near the fire by burning out the grass and brush from around the property.
Firefighters placed dozer line at the head of the fire on the south end to stop
the fire’s main progression. Elsewhere along the perimeter, hand crews are placing handline along steep, rocky outcroppings.
Residents should expect to see smoke and aircraft over the fire.
The Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation orders issued Friday evening remain in place.
As of the latest update, the fire was estimated to have burned 200 acres. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Original Story (Friday, 8/4/23, 8:31 p.m.):
A wildfire was reported around 4 p.m. Friday northeast of Coburg, and spread quickly throughout the afternoon hours into the evening.
The fire was more than 100 acres and caused officials to order Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations for residents of several rural roads east of Interstate 5, including Priceboro Road, Mt. Tom Drive, and Wildwood Estates Loop.
A Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation notice is in effect for Coleman Road east of I-5, and a Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notice is in effect for areas "east, northeast, and southeast of the Mount Tom Dr. neighborhood," according to Linn County Emergency Management.
Most of the affected area is in Linn County, with a portion in Lane County. The evacuation levels were current as of 8:30 p.m. Friday.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said seven firefighting aircraft were attacking the fire, with firefighters from multiple agencies on the ground.
Smoke from the fire was visible by drivers on I-5 Friday evening, but the highway remained open.
An emergency shelter has been established for displaced residents and their animals at the Linn County Fairgrounds, located at 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, OR. Livestock stables are open for use.