Holiday Farm Fire update for Sept. 17, 2020, 12:30 p.m. & virtual public meeting tonight

September 17, 2020

Update for Sept. 17, 2020, 12:30 p.m.

Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 3 Link Smith, Incident Commander and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team Ian Yocum, Incident Commander

Holiday Farm Fire Information: 541-357-9729 (7am-10pm)
Lane County Non-Emergency Call Center: 541-682-3977 (7am-10pm)
Linn County Non-Emergency Call Center: 541-812-2260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayFarmFire/
Email: holidayfarmfireinfo@gmail.com

Facebook Live Community Meeting Tonight at 7PM

Fire summary:

Springfield, Ore. –There was no infrared flight mapping flight last night, the Holiday Farm Fire’s footprint is still estimated at 170,637 acres. The fire’s perimeter measures more than 260 miles or roughly Portland to Medford.

The weather forecast predicts thunder storms with gusty winds, heavy rain and hail this afternoon and evening. Winds are likely to increase as storms push into the area and a transition to (possibly heavy) rain. This weather could bring isolated washouts and slides on slopes and along roads. Fire managers ask that the public complete any necessary tasks and then avoid roads within and around the fire area after 3 p.m. This will help to keep the public safe and will maintain safe routes for firefighters and utility crews should they need to seek refuge from the storm.

Wildland fire crews will continue working to improve and increase fire containment using hand crews, fire engines and heavy machinery. Crews will be working all around the fire with a focus on any areas of increased fire activity.

Structural firefighters continue to aggressively extinguish hot spots in and around homes. They will also be supporting the Urban Search and Rescue teams as they push west through Vida and into the Goodpasture Road area.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team has completed 1,163 structural evaluations in the fire area. Structures include commercial buildings, residences and outbuildings.

We have received a lot of questions about how fires are named. Fire names are created to provide useful landmarks for incoming fire crews. This fire was named after a popular local landmark business. The business had nothing to do with the cause of this fire.

This will be the last shift for many of the firefighting resources from within Lane County, as out of state resources arrive to take their place. This will allow these crews to return to their home communities, local agencies will remain heavily involved in this effort until it is complete. These local crews were critical to getting this situation under control and they continue to provide valuable guidance to responders from other regions. They stand ready to return should the need arise.

The Lane and Linn County Sheriff Offices continue to work with fire operations personnel to modify evacuation zones where appropriate. For the latest information on evacuation areas, please visit:

Lane County: www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire

Linn County: www.linnsheriff.org/fire_live_updates_sept_2020/

Please continue to monitor cell phones, landlines, local media and official information sources for evacuation updates. Fire managers request that the public please avoid the area.

Roads are closed in the fire area and much of the Willamette National Forest (WNF) and Northwest Oregon District BLM. Road hazards include falling trees and rocks and debris. For more information on closures on the WNF visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574

For more information on closures on the Northwest Oregon BLM visit: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/extreme-fire-activity-prompts-closure-bureau-land-management-lands-northwestern-oregon

Fire personnel are warmed by the community’s support but are unable to accept donations or use volunteers. The fire must use individuals with the appropriate qualifications.

Estimated Size: 170,637 acres
Containment: 10%
Start Date/Time: 9/7/2020, 8:20 p.m.
Expected Containment Date: 10/29/2020
Location: Lane County
Cause: Unknown
Personnel: 812
Assigned Resources:

Hand Crews:

Engines:

Dozers:

Water Tenders:

Other Heavy Equipment:

 

22

51

31

17

2

Assigned Aircraft:

Structure Task Forces:

7

6

Injuries: 0
Structures Threatened: 9,138
Structures–

     Destroyed:

     Failed:

     Damaged:

     No Damage:

 

714

9

33

407

 

Evacuations:

Level 1 (READY), Level 2 (SET) and Level 3 (GO!) are in effect.

 

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