Thursday night Canyonville Wildfire update: Fire grows to 750 Acres

DFPA News Release: Milepost 97 Fire – Thursday Evening Update The Milepost 97 Fire, located about a mile southeast of Canyonville, continued to burn actively throughout the day Thursday, due to hot temperatures, low relative humidity readings, and gusty winds. The fire made a significant push Thursday afternoon to the south and west of the original fire area. As of nightfall, the fire is estimated to be 750 acres in size and burning in steep, rocky terrain with limited access. With overnight conditions forecasted to be similar to what was observed the night before, active fire behavior is expected to continue throughout the night. In conjunction with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, a Level Three “GO!” Evacuation Order was issued for three homes located near the southern end of the fire, between the 100 – 300 block of Ritchie Road. Structural resources from local fire departments are currently on scene to provide fire protection to these structures. While the fire is highly visible from the Canyonville, Riddle, and Azalea areas, the Milepost 97 Fire does not pose a direct threat to these communities at this time and no evacuation orders have been issued in these areas. An Incident Management Team from the Oregon Department of Forestry has been ordered to assist with suppression efforts on the Milepost 97 Fire. ODF Incident Management Team 3 (Incident Commander Link Smith) has been assigned to the fire. ODF IMT 3 will conduct an in-briefing with DFPA Friday afternoon and are scheduled to assume command of the fire Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. Tonight, approximately 100 firefighters are engaged and actively working on the Milepost 97 Fire. As always, safety for our firefighters and the general public remains our number one priority. Motorists passing through the area are reminded to drive with caution as fire equipment and personnel may be working along the side of Interstate Five.