UPDATE #2: Wildfire Still Burning Near Corvallis; Mandatory Evacuation Order Lifted
The fire is now under control, but crews will stay on scene throughout the day making sure the fire does not flare back up.
(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) — A fast moving wildfire that broke out around 9:00 p.m. Friday night, had fire crews battling high winds and rough terrain near Chip Ross Park and the Timberhill neighborhood in north Corvallis.
Corvallis Police lifted the mandatory evacuation order for the Northwest 29th Street to Northwest Century Drive area between Northwest Walnut Boulevard and Northwest Crescent Valley Drive just before 2:00 a.m.
The evacuation order was downgraded to a level 2, meaning residents can return to their homes, but must remain ready to leave at a moment's notice, police said.
Corvallis Firefighters have established a containment line around approximately 80 percent of the 100 acre fire, but due to hot, dry, and breezy weather conditions expected Saturday have not said that the fire is contained.
So far, officials say no structures have been lost in the fire, but there was some damage to fences and decks surrounding homes.
UPDATE at 12:30 p.m. from the Corvallis Fire Department:
The Corvallis Fire Department responded to a report of a large grass fire in Chip Ross park, located at the park entrance near NW 29th Street at NW Goldfinch Drive.
When firefighters arrived they discovered a large wildland fire that was rapidly extending toward several single family and multifamily developments.
The uncontrolled fire forced the temporary evacuation of several housing developments in NW Corvallis. One residential structure located on NW Morning Glory suffered exterior damage as a result of flying embers from the wildland fire.
Firefighters had the fire 70 percent contained at 3:00 a.m., and the Oregon Department of Forestry used a bulldozer to fully contain the fire by 5:00 a.m.
The fire is estimated to have sporadically burned over 150 acres of public open space.
Corvallis and ODF fire crews are now engaged in mop up operations and will be extinguishing numerous hot spots throughout the day.
Fire crews from Adair Village, Albany, Alsea, Halsey, Lebanon, Junction City, Monroe, Philomath, Polk County, Tangent, and the Oregon Department of Forestry assisted the Corvallis Fire Department in stopping the progression of the fire protecting numerous lives and millions of dollars of private and public property.
There were no civilian or fire service injuries reported from the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and anyone having any information regarding the incident is encouraged to call either the Corvallis Police Department at (541) 766-6924 or fire department at (541) 766-6903.
Salem News Journal will have more on this story as soon as it becomes available
Video from the scene Friday night in Corvallis by Salem News Journal photographer Jerry Freeman:
