Fire crews worked overnight to keep the 300-acre blaze west of Eugene at bay, and as of Tuesday morning the fire perimeter remained intact.
Investigators are still assessing the cause of the fire, dubbed the 7k Fire, the Oregon Department of Forestry said in a statement.
The 7k Fire appeared Friday afternoon 12 miles southwest of Veneta and 15 miles west of Eugene in Lane County. Wind and steep terrain spurred the fires’ growth, officials said. Most of the flames are on privately owned land, but several scorched acres are federally owned.
Windy conditions kept the fire active until about midnight Tuesday, the fire department said. Fire activity stalled as conditions improved, allowing crews to subdue flames around the perimeter. A steep portion at the east side of the fire has been difficult to reach, the fire department said.
Cool temperatures Tuesday are predicted to keep the fire under control. Around 300 firefighters are battling the blaze.
As areas of Oregon declare the beginning of fire season, officials warn residents to prepare and familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management outlined precautions to take ahead of the summer.
- Stay Informed: Oregonians are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts via ORAlert.gov.
- Have a Plan: The department provides an evacuation checklist, and recommends establishing a communication plan in case of separation during an emergency. The American Red Cross provides guidance for people with disabilities.
- Make a Go-Kit: Households should pack emergency kits in easy-to-carry backpacks for each resident, the department said. Ready.gov and the Red Cross have outlined important items to pack.
- Evacuation Levels: Oregonians should familiarize themselves with the “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels, the department said.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
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