Holiday Farm Fire update for Sept. 11, 2020

Springfield, Ore. – Firefighters have been working to protect structures, as well as establish control lines on the Holiday Farm Fire.  At 156,708 acres in size, the fire is currently 0% contained.  Other priorities include clearing roads, such as Highway 126 for responder access to the area.  Yesterday the weather was more favorable to firefighting operation.  Winds decreased to 5-10 mph and the relative humidity was slightly higher than recent days.

Structural crews used the break to establish defensible space around communities, helping to keep these values safe.  Structural and wildland resources have been working in tandem to keep the fire away from homes and businesses. There are currently 17,732 structures threatened by this fire.

425 personnel are now assigned to the fire.  Resources continue to be spread thin across the region and the nation, as many areas have large fire activity.  Local resources, such as cooperators with heavy equipment have been dispatched to this incident to begin assisting in the battle. In addition, members of the Oregon National Guard are here and will be staffing checkpoints on the roads so that sheriff’s deputies are free to patrol neighborhoods.

Today’s weather calls for poor humidity recovery in higher elevations.  Firefighters have been asked to stay watchful for the potential of the inversion layer lifting (blanket of smoke), which could cause a more dynamic fire environment with more active fire behavior.

Public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority.  Fire managers are asking the public to please avoid the fire area. Roads are closed throughout the fire to give firefighters room to work and to keep the public safe.  Fire weakened trees, ash pits, and falling rocks and other debris are just some of the hazards on the incident.  Many communities, in both Lane and Linn counties remain under Level 1, 2, or 3 evacuation orders.  Current evacuation information can be found at:

Lane County: www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire

Linn County: www.linnsheriff.org/fire_live_updates_sept_2020/

Fire personnel are touched by the outpouring of support from the community. Unfortunately, all resources are ordered through dispatch systems, and volunteers cannot be utilized. The fire must utilize individuals with appropriate qualifications. No donations can be accepted by fire personnel.  People looking to volunteer or donate are encouraged to look at local organizations such as American Red Cross or United Way, who will be aiding displaced residents.

Air quality is expected to remain at very unhealthy levels throughout the region today. Individuals are encouraged to avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors or heavy exertion while outdoors.