SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, Ore. – The Silver Creek Fire in Marion County is currently estimated at 27 acres and 25 percent contained. A good portion of the change in acreage over the last day is due to improved mapping and information from firefighters on the ground rather than fire growth.
The fire, which was first reported burning inside Silver Falls State Park July 12, is in the Howard Creek drainage. This is a remote, steep, timbered area over a mile from the park’s boundary. Initial acreage estimates were hampered by the dense canopy, extensive understory, and limited visibility due to smoke.
The area is especially challenging for firefighters due to steep slopes and the nature of a mature forest; thick undergrowth slows progress and snags pose a falling hazard. Firefighter and public safety remains priority for all involved. No injuries or facility damage have been reported.
The number of personnel engaged has risen to approximately 125.
Current aerial support includes two Type 2 helicopters and a Type 1 helicopter. Heavy airtankers and single-engine airtankers (SEATs) are on standby if needed.
Park facilities remain unchanged from earlier reports:
- the 214 Trailhead and several back-country trails, Howard Creek horse camp and Howard Creek day-use area, youth camp (Camp Silver Creek), and the Ranches are all closed. Howard Creek and the Ranches are closed to serve as incident command posts.
- All other areas of the park are currently operating normally, with no interruptions to scheduled events. Visitors are enjoying the Historic Silver Falls Day event (https://silverfallsstatepark.wordpress.com/category/historic-silver-falls-days/),
- The Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center (http://silverfallslodge.com/) continues to serve customers, including a wedding reception.
Conditions can change quickly; watch for updates on https://bit.ly/2meFGMP.
Photos and videos taken at the fire Saturday, July 14 are online at https://drive.google.com/open?id=19RlLpHp3XPlNq0d-H8ZBz7SqEvDUG3Yy
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