Two wildfires continue to burn in steep, heavily forested terrain in rural parts of Lane County.
The Register-Guard is tracking weather updates, warnings, evacuations and fires. Here’s what you need to know.
Foley Ridge Fire: Expect long delays on OR 242
The lightning-caused Foley Ridge Fire is burning just south of OR-242 east of McKenzie Bridge in Lane County. It was first reported on Sept. 6 and has burned at least 414 acres at 0% containment. At least 329 personnel have been assigned to the fire.
Fire operations were focused on constructing containment lines at the heel of the fire along the eastern flank, which would allow crews to build direct fire line where terrain permits, according to Willamette National Forest officials. Steep and rocky conditions in the area have made direct line construction difficult.
To preserve firefighter safety, forest officials are also building indirect fire lines at a distance from the fire’s edge. Structure protection continues to be assessed as work around the White Branch Youth Camp was completed with the installation of a hose lay, forest officials said.
Fire crews are also working to reinforce containment lines along Forest Service Roads 208, 450 and Foley Ridge Road.
A closure was issued Sept. 12 that includes three trailheads near the Three Sisters Wilderness and a network of road closures has been issued for the McKenzie Pass Highway 242 area.
The closure includes Rainbow Falls Trailhead, Separation Lake Trailhead and Foley Ridge Trailhead, in addition to roads south of Highway 242, including Foley Ridge Road.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, a pilot car is leading traffic from milepost 55 to 62 on OR-242. Travelers should expect extended delays or avoid travel in the area.
A community meeting was scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the new gym on the McKenzie High School campus.
Emigrant Fire
On the morning of Sept. 15, the Emigrant Fire, burning in a rural area 20 miles southeast of Oakridge, was reported at 32,347 acres and 34% containment.
According to Willamette National Forest officials, the Emigrant fire is being fought with a full suppression strategy. Recent rainfall has allowed crews to get closer to the fire’s edge. While some finer fuels have absorbed moisture, heavy fuels have not.
Officials said firefighters will continue monitoring conditions closely as warmer, drier weather returns to the region this week. At least 910 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Is the end of Oregon’s fire season in sight?
According to fire officials, an accumulation of September rains combined with relatively low temperatures likely means fire season is winding down.
“Fire danger across most of Oregon is actually below where it would normally be this time of year,” fire meteorologist John Saltenberger with the Northwest Coordination Center told The Statesman Journal on Sept. 12.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Lane County wildfires Emigrant, Foley Ridge fires continue to burn
