Priceboro Fire: Evacuation orders still in place in Linn County

Aug 20, 2023

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LINN COUNTY, Ore. — Fire officials upgraded the Priceboro Fire to 45% contained Sunday afternoon. It has burned 309.5 acres and evacuation notices were downgraded. The fire continues to burn near the Linn and Lane county lines.

All residents in the area of Mount Tom Road are now under a Level 2 (Be Set) notice, and all residents on Coleman Road in Lane County are now under Level 1 (Be Ready) notice.

Firefighters battled the fire overnight. Oregon Department of Forestry officials said a portion of the fire was stopped a quarter mile from a subdivision, saving a nearby cabin. Firefighters were also able to stop the fire's progression on the south end.

“We want to hold this fire where it’s at, so we need to dig in around the fire before the mid-day heat sets in, which creates the greatest potential for increased fire behavior and spread,” said ODF District Forester Chris Cline. “Initial attack and overnight crews made significant progress, and we intend to build on that. We’ve slowed it down, but this isn’t over yet.”

Residents can expect to see smoke and aircraft over the fire, ODF said.

Multiple fire agencies responded to a rapidly-growing wildfire burning near Harrisburg, east of Interstate 5 at around 4 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Evacuation notices were quickly upgraded from Level 2 (Be Set) to Level 3 (Go Now) for all residents in the area of Mount Tom Road, the Linn County Sheriff's Office said. There was also a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice for all residents on Coleman Road in Lane County.

Deputies were going door-to-door to notify residents of the alert Friday. Approximately 60 homes had been evacuated, but no structures have been destroyed by the fire, according to ODF.

Fire officials said that the fire's activity had mellowed somewhat by Friday night, but crews would be tackling the flames through the night. As they work to increase containment, the estimated that it could continue to burn for days.

Smoke could be seen from I-5 on Friday evening, but the freeway remained open.

Those in the area should be aware of the wildfire and check road information before traveling on Tripcheck's website.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal activated two task forces to help with the blaze, making more resources available to fight the flames.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

RELATED: The latest information on fires burning across Oregon

Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.

Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.