While winds lessened, the Echo Mountain Complex fire remains active. As of Friday, this complex of fires—which is composed of two fires—is estimated at 2,435 acres and is 0% contained. Fire officials estimate at least 100 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Two structural task forces have been ordered. Upon their arrival, they will begin damage assessment and inventory of all impacted structures, which will take several days to complete.
Many areas remain under evacuation orders. These orders are issued by Lincoln County. Fire managers are asking people to stay out of the fire areas. There are many hazards still present, such as weakened trees and falling debris, as well as downed power lines. Many road closures are still in place in the area.
But as of Saturday morning, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has issued the following downgrades in evacuation for the Echo Mountain Fire Complex in Lincoln City:
The Northeast, East Devils Lake Road south to mile post 3.6 (near the bridge replacement cut off) and the Neotsu neighborhood, and all other West and East side streets off of NE East Devils Lake Road are downgraded from level 3 to level 2.
And evacuation notices have been lifted for all of South Schooner Creek Road. That means they went from a level 2 and one to level zero.
Community Members in the newly downgraded areas can return to their homes and business at this time.
Those who need transportation back to their residence can call the County Call Center at 541-265-0621. It is always advisable to do a safety check of your home and property when you return. You may experience some intermittent power disruption over the next few days.
Continue to monitor local media sources, county website and your telephone devices to receive further information and updates.
Any additional questions can be forwarded to the Lincoln County Emergency Public Information Call Center at 541-265-0621, www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire.
More updates on the Echo Mountain Fire can be found here.
