UPDATED: Lanes reopen along 99E, evacuation levels drop after morning wildfire

Both directions along Highway 99E near Canby have reopened after a wildfire flared up Friday morning between mileposts 16-19.

Officials said that motorists should expect delays into the late afternoon as the traffic backup clears.

Additionally, as of about 3 p.m., all evacuation levels had returned to Level 1.

How Friday started

Multiple fire districts are fighting a wildfire that popped up near Canby Friday in the early morning hours.

This wildfire closed Highway 99E in both directions and induced the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office to issue a Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation.

Officials said a wildfire broke out around 4 a.m. and has consumed multiple acres while climbing a cliffside that overlooks the Willamette River and posing a threat to multiple homes in the area.

The Level 3 order was put in place for the area around Highway 99E to Reflection Lane, then west to Milepost 16 on Highway 99E, and to the south to South End Road.

Evacuation Levels of 1, 2, and 3 have been announced for different areas.

The fire has been creeping toward homes and fire officials say it a difficult fire to access. Firefighters are still battling the fire.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has closed the northbound lanes between South Haines Road and Canema Road.

There is also a chance that air support may be needed to fight the blaze, prompting a closing of the Willamette River so that air assets can use that stretch to dip for water.

Additionally, there is a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice on the east side of South End Road from Highway 99E to Reflection Lane, and the west side of South End Road from Reflection Lane to Beutel Road, west over to Highway 99E at about Milepost 15.5, south to Milepost 16.

People seeking shelter can go to Gardiner Middle School in Oregon City. Those who choose this option should report to the main entrance of the school. Overflow parking is at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church next door.