The Holiday Farm Fire along the McKenzie River Corridor grew by nearly 40-thousand acres on Wednesday. The fire has now burned 144,586 thousand acres.
Red Flag conditions contributed to the explosive fire growth over the past two days. Firefighters have been constantly moving as they conduct rescue operations, and try to hold the fire when it’s possible.
As of the last update fire managers said 200 firefighters were working on the fire and with so many fires burning on the west coast, resources are scarce.
The fire has burned through several communities. Blue River has been heavily affected with most of the structures destroyed. McKenzie High School, however, was saved. Firefighters were also able to save a majority of the structures in Vida.
Evacuation orders remain in place for several communities in and around the Holiday Farm Fire area. Level 3 evacuation orders remain in place for the Mohawk Valley and along the McKenzie River corridor. Those on Upper Camp Creek Road past Wendling Road on either side of Marcola Road are also under Level 3 notices.
Level 2 – Be set- evacuation notices are still in effect for residents on either side of Marcola Road before Wendling Road, including Camp Creek Road. Level 2 also remains in effect from the McKenzie River Ranger Station to the junction of Highway 126 and Highway 20.
Level 1 – Be Ready- evacuation notices are still in effect for the Fall Creek, Winberry, and Lowell areas north from Hills Creek to Signal Point Boat Ramp as well as for all residents from Highway 126 to Bob Straub to Jasper Road east to Thurston Road where it intersects with Highway 126 north to the McKenzie River.
The evacuation point that had been established at Thurston High School was moved to Springfield High School on Wednesday afternoon as the area including that initial evacuation point was put under a level 1 evacuation notice.
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