The Terwilliger Fire in the Willamette National Forest has grown to 1,200 acres as of Wednesday morning. Fire officials report containment is currently at 1%. Windy conditions are expected to continue, challenging firefighting efforts.
Forest Officials say the cause of the blaze, burning south of Highway 126, is currently under investigation. Both sides of the Cougar Reservoir burn after a spark flew across, igniting wilderness.
Jennifer Velez is with Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management and says continued dry conditions make fires like this possible.
“We’ve been experiencing very warm temperatures and we really are experiencing historic dry levels out in forest lands and on public lands in general. And so we really want to remind people to be extra vigilant with fire prevention efforts today and in the coming weeks.”
The fire is currently being fought by engines and aircraft when conditions allow.