Oregon Wildfire Causes Emergency Evacuation, Officials Warn Residents Of ‘Imminent Danger’

Marion County officials have issued Level 3 “GO” evacuation orders for residents in Santiam Canyon after the fire that began in Beachie Creek continued to spread.

During the early hours of Tuesday morning, the dry conditions and high winds created flames that could be seen in the Santiam Canyon area as well as in Mill City, making it clear that there was no chance the blaze would die down anytime soon.

Oregon Live reported that officials warned locals to evacuate their homes and head to one of the evacuation areas located at 2330 17th St Northeast in Salem or the staging at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

“We care deeply about the safety of all of our community members. The extreme fire activity in the area poses an imminent danger to anyone who chooses to remain in the evacuated area,” Joe Kast, the Marion County Sheriff, said in a statement.

“I encourage anyone still in the Santiam Canyon to leave immediately following the deputies out of the area. I cannot say when the conditions will allow deputies and other emergency responders to return to the area to render assistance. Please leave now.”

The Beachie Creek first began on Aug. 16 in the Opal Creek Wilderness. The blaze is expected to continue throughout Tuesday prompting officials to issue a red flag warning until 8 p.m. local time.

Statesman Journal reported multiple wildfires have broken out along Highway 22 in the Santiam Canyon.

Mike Ferris, a Mill City resident, revealed that he saw the flames rise as he evacuated his home. “As soon as we got to the edge of town we could see houses and trees burning on both sides of the road,” he said.

“Just past Fishermen's Bend, right where the river comes up to the highway, we could see houses on fire on the Linn County side of the North Santiam.”

Evacuation orders have also been issued for Silver Falls State Park, Mehama, Detroit, Gates, Crooked Finger, and other areas.