The Milepost 97 Fire burning southeast of Canyonville more than doubled in size overnight and was estimated to be 1,650 acres as of Friday morning.
Kyle Reed of the Douglas Forest Protective Association said the fire is pushing mainly to the south but also is moving west. Reed said firefighters remain busy with the fire, and more resources have been ordered. Reed said the very steep, rocky terrain that the fire is burning in, makes it extremely difficult to fight as there are no roads in that area.
A Level 3 “GO” Evacuation Order remains in affect for 3 homes on Ritchie Road near the southern end of the fire. Reed said structural resources from local fire departments are providing fire protection to those structures.
Reed said the fire is highly visible from the Canyonville, Riddle and Azalea areas but does not pose a direct threat to these communities.
Reed said the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 3 has been assigned to assist DFPA with suppression efforts on the Milepost 97 Fire. The team will be briefed by DFPA staff Friday afternoon and then will assume command of the fire at 6:00 p.m.
Listen to News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates on the Milepost 97 Fire.
Approximately 200 fire fighters are currently battling the blaze.