Holiday Farm Fire update for Sept. 12, 2020 – Virtual public meeting tonight at 7 p.m.

Fire managers will be hosting a virtual community meeting via Facebook Live on the fire’s Facebook page at 7:00 pm this evening. The virtual event will also be available at: https://www.facebook.com/events/326383102027295

Springfield, Ore. – We are saddened to report that firefighters located a deceased person in a home within the fire area yesterday. First responders are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased, which may take some time. After the person has been identified, Lane County Sheriff’s Office will notify next of kin and afford them the opportunity to notify additional family and friends prior to releasing the person’s name.

Today, firefighters will begin the process of trying to locate unaccounted for people within the fire perimeter and start assessing structures. Teams will start along Highway 126 and the nearby communities. If any victims are found, the firefighters will notify the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.

Yesterday, the fire grew by about 5,000 acres, raising the total to 161,826 acres. The fire perimeter is nearly 200 miles. It remains 0% contained. Calmer weather over the fire moderated fire behavior, although a few spots fire were reported and quickly controlled. A stubborn layer of thick smoke has hampered air operations but aircraft remain available if conditions improve.

With more resources in place, fire crews have been able to construct direct control lines (adjacent to the fire’s edge) and indirect control lines (farther back from the fire’s edge). Firefighters completed a successful burnout operation in the southwestern corner of the fire to establish a solid control line. Additionally, crews have been mopping up, scouting locations for new control lines and removing snags to make areas safer for fire personnel and vehicles.

Structural firefighters continue to focus on protecting structures and mopping up around homes. Currently, the fire threatens 17,732 structures.

Fire managers request that the public please avoid the area. Some roads are closed in the fire area and much of the Willamette National Forest (WNF). 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

Many communities, in 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 warmed by the community’s support but are unable to accept donations or use volunteers. The fire must use individuals with the appropriate qualifications. Those looking to volunteer or donate can connect with local organizations at: https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=17035134