Though the Lee Falls Fire now covers more than 280 acres and has been burning for more than a day, no homes have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze, the Oregon Department of Forestry reports.
The fire was first reported at about 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, and grew quickly, covering more than 100 acres by 2 p.m. As of 1:30 p.m. Aug. 9, the fire is estimated to cover more than 280 acres and is 75% lined, according to an ODF release. This means firefighters have dug trenches around 75% of the blaze. Wildfires must be successfully lined for 24 hours before they can be deemed contained, according to a Gaston Fire spokesperson.
Authorities say that shifting winds impacted the movement of the fire, pushing the blaze south and southeast, as well as into the tree canopy. Several spot fires started south of the fire as a result, according to the Gaston Rural Fire District.
The fire spotted across the Tualatin River and threatened homes in Cherry Grove, but structural fire crews worked through the night Aug. 8 prepping structures and patrolling fire lines on the eastern flank of fire.
On Friday, Aug. 9, structural fire crews worked to increase defensible space around homes and ensure spot fires within 100 feet of each structure are completely extinguished.
Evacuations
All of Cherry Grove and a large area northwest of Sain Creek have been given Level 3 evacuation orders. A Level 3 evacuation order means danger is imminent in the area and leave immediately. Do not delay to collect belongings. Non-residents are not allowed in the area and residents should not return to their homes.
According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management , 408 structures and 627 residents reside within the Level 3 area.
Lower evacuation orders are also in place west of Henry Hagg Lake as of 11:15 a.m. Aug. 9. A Level 1 Evacuation means those in the affected area should be aware of danger in the area and prepared to leave. Residents should begin to move people with special needs, mobile property and potentially livestock or pets.
OEM reports that 138 structures and 293 people reside within the Level 1 evacuation areas.
Suppression efforts
The combined efforts of multiple area agencies to suppress the fire have been herculean. ODF, the Gaston Rural Fire District and the Washington County Sheriff's Office have been joined by local landowners, contractors and first responders from multiple counties, including three task forces from Tillamook, Marion and Yamhill counties. These additions brought 15 fire engines, tenders and brush rigs to the effort, along with about 45 additional structural firefighters.
Crews of adults in custody from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and the South Fork Forest Camp have also assisted at the scene. A crew contains about 22 people, and both crews worked overnight on the fire. The South Fork Forest Camp crew is continuing Friday, Aug. 9, to help completely line the fire, ODF spokesperson Jessica Neujahr said.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, ODF mobilized two helicopters, two Fire Bosses, and air attack from the Douglas Forest Protection Association, Neujahr said, and multiple aviation resources are still on standby.
While firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire, Henry Hagg Lake is closed so planes can access the water. Scoggins Valley Park remains closed through the weekend .
Additionally, Scoggins Valley Road is closed between Old Highway 47 and West Shore Drive. Washington County added that Patton Valley Road is closed from Bates Road to Cherry Grove due to the fire.
Forest Grove Fire Department has requested that drivers avoid the fire area in general to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
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