The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports no changes in evacuation levels as of this morning, September 23, 2020. A Virtual Community Meeting regarding the Lionshead Fire will be held this evening at 6 p.m. see links below.
Facebook link:facebook.com/LionsheadFire
Zoom Link: https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1606494587
Current evacuation levels as of 10 a.m. September 23rd, 2020:
Level 3 – “Go”
Detroit
Idanha
Breitenbush
North Fork Road east of Pioneer Road SE.
Hwy 22 east of Mile Post 32.5
Level 2 – “Be Set”
Hwy 22 from Mile Post 16.5 to Mile Post 32.5
Lyons
Mehama
Mill City
Gates
Fernridge Rd west of Shellburg Creek Rd to Basil Hill
Crooked Finger Rd S of Hazelnut Ridge Rd
North Fork Road to Pioneer Road, including Kubin Road SE
Pioneer Road SE to Hwy 22, including Hudel Road SE and Taylor Park Road
Level 1 – “Ready”
Scotts Mills
Areas east of Meridian Road, Davis Creek, and Victor Point south to the Marion County line
Refer to Marion County's website at
http://www.co.marion.or.us/fire for additional information about returning to fire impacted areas.
To see detailed current Marion County Evacuation Zones please visit:
http://bit.ly/MCEvacZones
If you happen to live in fire impacted areas of Linn County, updated evacuation maps can be found at:
www.LinnSheriff.org
The prolonged stress of being evacuated for long periods is extremely difficult for those who are unable to gain access to their property and livelihood. The wind and fire events caused significant tree damage, electrical and water infrastructure damage and road hazards over a regional area.
Current road conditions include wind and fire damaged trees, power lines and poles crossing roads.
Fire weakened and hazard trees are frequently falling without notice. Fire managers are working closely with the Oregon Department of Transportation and engineers to ensure the road surfaces and structures are safe for use, making emergency repairs as they work to connect the road systems between fires. Ensuring the public has a safe route back out of the burn area is imperative before allowing access back in.
In addition, the electric companies are removing trees from fallen and burned lines, replacing power poles and working to restore service systematically. Open electrical lines pose a significant risk to the safety of public and must be addressed both on the grid structure and at individual properties to prevent electrocution and further delays in power restoration.
Wednesday, in advance of a significant weather event winds are predicted to be strong and will have influence on existing tree and electrical hazards, possibly creating more. As moisture precipitates over the burn areas, there is increased potential for mudslides, debris flows and flooding.
After the weather event this week County and fire officials will be able to evaluate further evacuation level changes.
