PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The 2022 wildfire season has taken off in Oregon and Washington with dozens of fires now reported. This is a roundup of the biggest fires in the Pacific Northwest as of Thursday, August 4, 2022.
Miller Road Fire
Evacuation advisories were issued in Wasco County, Oregon as the Miller Road Fire burns through the Pine Grove area, officials announced Tuesday.
As of Thursday morning, officials reported the fire is still burning a whopping 10,500 acres and is 0% contained. At least one residence has been destroyed by the blaze.
A Level 3 “GET OUT NOW” evacuation advisory has been issued from Victor Road and Walters Road North to the south side of 216 to Highway 197, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office announced. Additionally, officials called a Level 2 “BE PREPARED” evacuation order for the east side of 197 and all of Oak Spring Road to 216, along with the city of Maupin.
Vantage Highway Fire
The Vantage Highway Fire started on August 1 and as of Thursday evening, has consumed 26,490 acres — 2.5 times the size reported Wednesday night, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. Despite the fire’s growth, officials said it’s reached 35% containment.
Fire crews confirmed the blaze threatened a dozen residences and 10 minor structures.
Residents of Vantage are not under any evacuation notices as of Wednesday night. Prior to this, a Level 2 “BE PREPARED” evacuation notice was issued before being upgraded at 9 p.m. Monday to a Level 3 “GET OUT NOW” evacuation advisory. Those orders were ultimately cut back as firefighters minimized the threat — allowing residents to return to their homes.
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Fly Creek Fire
Evacuation orders are still in place around Lake Billy Chinook Tuesday as the Fly Creek Fire continues burning, now at 274 acres and as of Wednesday, 80% of the fire was contained.
As of Thursday evening, the evacuation orders have been lifted for the Three Rivers area, along with Perry South and Monty campgrounds. However, officials say fire crews will still be at Perry South on Friday.
Firefighters have the majority of a bulldozer line built so it doesn’t spread further, but, officials said they are continuing to establish and connect control lines around the edge of the fire.
Windigo Fire
Fire crews have gained some ground at the Windigo Fire, with about 1,093 acres still burning Thursday evening.
The forest service said the blaze is 0% contained. The fire is actively burning in timber nearly 20 miles southwest of La Pine near Crescent Lake.
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Northwest Interagency Coordination Center
Potter Fire
The Potter Fire, which was first reported on the morning of July 31, has grown to 400 acres while containment remains at 0%, according to officials.
On Monday, the Northwest Interagency reported the fire grew an additional 340 acres, but officials said Tuesday night the acreage was reduced to 85 due to “more accurate mapping.”
It is burning near the south side of Potter Mountain on the Middle Fork Ranger District, closing the trail section between OR 138 and Summit Lake.
Cedar Creek Fire
Lightning is being blamed for another new fire, this time in Lane County.
The Cedar Creek Fire consumes nearly 300 acres west of the Black Creek Trailhead and is moving north, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. Officials called this blaze and the Potter Fire significant.
The fire forced officials to shut down Forest Roads 2421 and 2424. Trails and trailheads on the west side of Waldo Lake are also closed.
Beech Creek Fire
The Beech Creek Fire near Long Creek is burning 245 acres and is 15% contained, officials noted Thursday afternoon. The fire is reportedly threatening nearby structures
Tolo Mountain Fire
The Tolo Mountain Fire is now 75% contained and remains at 41 acres. Crews will stay in place until full containment is reached.