New fires having an impact on upper Valley

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: A Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice remains in effect for areas North of McKenzie Highway from the East end of Drury Lane East to the Clear Lake Cutoff. Residents have been encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at http://www.LaneAlerts.org

On September 8th an emergency closure order was issued for the Linton Creek Fire, expected to extend through January 1st, unless rescinded or modified sooner. The fire, caused by a September 6th lightning strike on the McKenzie River Ranger District, had grown to approximately 1,131 acres by Tuesday morning and is 0% contained. It is burning west of the Pacific Crest trail near mile 197 and is actively growing around the Linton Meadows/Eileen Lake area, west of the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Also lightning-caused, Boulder Creek had spread to about 307 acres on Tuesday, with 0% containment - leading officials to close Hwy. 126 east of the Hwy. 242 junction for safety reasons. The fire was active Monday night and crossed USFS Road 765. Because this fire is burning in heavy timber, predicted rainfall may not significantly affect fire activity.

Meanwhile, the human-caused Ore Fire, about 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,461 acres is 42% contained. Officials say work is continuing on US FS Road 1509. Materials from the fuels reduction will be hauled away to both improve and secure fire lines. In addition, tactical fire operations have been working and will continue.

Officials are advising people to be aware of current restrictions before heading out into the forest and sharing information with others. As fire restrictions change, information will be available at tinyurl.com/3cmtbm5m

Other information is available on Facebook and Twitter @WillametteNF for updates. To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1.