WILDERVILLE, Ore. (July 21, 2022) – Firefighters on the Cheney Creek Fire, located on Marble Mountain south of Wilderville, continued to make progress today, mopping in 25-50 feet into the perimeter.
The day wasn’t without its challenges, however; late in the afternoon, a fallen snag caused a break in the fire line, which grew to an additional 1.5 acre fire, bringing the total to an estimated 30 acres. Firefighters were able to re-line the newly burned area with the help of aerial support from a Type 1 and two Type 2 helicopters and an air attack platform. Investigators were also on scene today continuing their work in the cause of the fire.
Tonight, three 20-person crews, four engines, one water tender and one tree faller will be assigned to the fire. These resources will be working until the next shift change at 6 a.m. Firefighters have a goal of mopping in to the 100-foot mark into the perimeter overnight. Safety concerns remain dangerous tree snags and rolling rocks on the steep terrain. Firefighters are keeping these risks in mind as they continue to work on mop-up operations.
The Cheney Creek Fire was first reported at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 by the ODF Southwest Oregon District Detection Center. Resources from ODF, BLM and private contract companies began an aggressive initial attack that extended into the evening and overnight into Thursday morning. The fire is burning on Bureau of Land Management and private land.