Fire Update: 11:24 a.m. 8-31

The spread of the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire near Mapleton is moving slowly southward according to the latest information from the Oregon Department of Forestry.  The more than 400 acre fire is in steep terrain on the south side of the Siuslaw River.  Helicopters continue to retrieve water from the Siuslaw River to douse the flames.  They are aided by the work of 6 bulldozers, 5 water tenders an excavator and a processor which are working on reinforcing trenches dug yesterday.  Officials are asking the public to avoid the area because of heavy firefighting traffic.  There are currently 8 homes under a Level 3 (leave immediately) evacuation order and 24 homes under a Level 2 (Be prepared to leave) evacuation order.  Mapleton, Swisshome-Deadwood, and Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue are all assisting in controlling the fire.