Governor Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for 36 Pit Wildfire; Fire Human Caused
The fire, as of Tuesday morning has grown to 2,358, and threatens 168 homes.
(ESTACADA, Ore. ) — Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act late Monday in response to the 36 Pit Fire burning near Estacada.
The fire threatens 168 homes, and the fire was human caused, and is under investigation fire investigators said Tuesday morning.
"The smoke in the Willamette Valley and the continuing hot temperatures are sobering reminders that wildfire season continues to affect Oregonians directly," said Governor Kitzhaber. "This declaration allows us to deploy more resources to battle this fire to help residents and firefighters."
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kitzhaber determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
The Governor’s declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize structural firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.
The emergency was declared for the 36 Pit Fire only and is effective immediately.
Evacuations and Closures:
As of 5:59 p.m. Monday, September 15:
Prepare for possible evacuation order issued for Tumala Mountain Road near 36 Pit Fire
A Level 1 evacuation has been issued for residents of Tumala Mountain Rd east of Divers Road in Estacada.
Immediate evacuation order issued for SE Fall Creek Rd, Michaels Rd near 36 Pit Fire
A Level 3 evacuation order has been issued for residents of SE Fall Creek Rd and Michaels Road as of 4:00 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15. Level 3 calls for immediate evacuation.
Sheltering is available for evacuees at the Estacada First Baptist Church, 29101 SE Eagle Creek Rd in Estacada. - map
The following evacuations and closures announced earlier are still in effect:
- SE Fall Creek Road and Michaels Road (evacuated)
- The Silver Fox RV Park (evacuated and closed)
- The Lazy Bend Camp and Work Center (evacuation and closed)
- Promontory Park (closed)
- The La Dee OHV area (closed)
Air Quality in the mid-Willamette Valley:
As of 8:10 a.m., the air quality index for Salem-Keizer, and other parts of the mid-Willamette Valley have returned to good levels.
Sources: Oregon Governor's Office/Clackamas County/DEQ
Video of the smoke from the 36 Pit Wildfire on Monday afternoon as it rolled into the Salem-Keizer area:
