Strong winds, high temperatures, and low humidity contributed to another active day for the Milepost 97 fire near Canyonville on Saturday.
Fire crews were busy with spot fires- those smaller fires that start from flying embers and sparks that are carried by the wind from the main fire. Late in the afternoon, shifting winds caused the fire to jump I-5 to the east side of the interstate near Turkey Creek, Milepost 94. Fire officials say crews worked quickly on the spot fires, while fire lines were being established around the main fire.
Both air and ground resources are being used on the fire which at last update had scorched around 9,000 acres and was 5% contained. Kyle Reed with the Douglas Forest Protective Association says the terrain where the fire is burning is presenting some challenges. Reed says "it’s steep. It’s rocky country, lots of brush, lots of vegetation so it’s really a difficult area to fight fire in effectively.”
Level 2 “Be ready” evacuation orders were issued for all homes on the west side of the freeway between mileposts 88 and 83, and off of Upper Cow Creek Road starting at I-5 milepost 88, east to the base of Galesville Dam.
A Level 1 "Be Ready" notice is also being issued for all residents living on Windy Creek Road at and above Woods Creek Road. Barton Road south to Glendale Junction Road.
A Community fire information meeting is set for Sunday night at 7pm at Glendale High School.
Copyright KLCC, 2019
