Fire Update
According to authorities the next two days are critical in controlling the fire burning in the Sweet Creek Area. The Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire, as it has been designated by the Oregon Department of Forestry had quieted down overnight with the help of fog and humidity, but with temperatures forecast to be in the 90’s both tomorrow and Wednesday that could change. ODF is instituting a level 1 incident command which is the highest level of attention the state gives to a fire incident. It is expected to be in place by 6 pm this evening. There is also a public information officer on scene now which should mean information will flow a little more freely and quickly to the public. There is still no confirmed cause of the fire. There is still some question as to whether or not structures have burned, and coast radio news is working to establish the facts, although one source on scene has indicated that they were not aware of any structures that have been consumed. At last check there were no current official updates from ODF or Lane County.
The fire is reportedly moving away from the Mapleton Area, and those that have been evacuated were taken to an evacuation point at Siuslaw Middle School in Florence. Firefighting crews are set up at the Mapleton School Campus. Multiple aircraft including Helicopters and fixed wing tankers were dumping fire retardant yesterday afternoon. Air efforts resumed this morning. There is still a level 3 evacuation notice for community members along Hadsell Creek road and a “Be Ready” alert for people in the Sweet Creek Area.
