Cherry Grove, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry, Gaston Rural Fire District and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are working together in response to the Lee Falls Fire to protect the community of Cherry Grove and surrounding areas. The fire was reported Thursday, August 8, around 11 a.m. and is now estimated to be over 280 acres and is 75% lined.
Oregon Department of Forestry firefighters, alongside multiple structural fire agencies from several counties, local landowners, crews of adults in custody from South Fork Forest Camp, and contractors worked diligently overnight on suppression efforts. ODF, contract, and South Fork crews will continue work to line the fire today. Multiple aviation resources are on standby and will be deployed as needed to support ground operations.
The Oregon Department of Forestry stood up a Type 3 incident management team this morning to take command of fire operations.
Structural fire crews worked through the night to protect homes in the community of Cherry Grove and properties that are west and north of the area. Firefighters also prepped structures and patrolled fire lines on the eastern flank of the fire. No structures or homes have been destroyed or damaged by the fire.
Today structural firefighters will be increasing defensible space around homes and ensuring any spot fires are completely extinguished one hundred feet out from each structure. Three task forces from Tillamook, Marion and Yamhill counties are assigned to the fire and bring a complement of 15 fire engines, tenders and brush rigs as well as approximate 45 structural firefighters.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Since the fire’s inception, deputies have diligently conducted active patrols in the affected areas to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance. The safety and well-being of residents and the community remain top priority.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to cooperate with the evacuation orders and respect the designated perimeters to facilitate the effective operations of the responding teams.
Evacuation Updates Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated door-to-door notifications to advise residents of evacuation levels in the affected area. As of 11:30 this morning, there have been no changes to the evacuation levels. It is crucial for the public to adhere to the evacuation directives and remain out of the area to ensure the roads remain clear and accessible for fire apparatuses and other essential responders.
The latest evacuation levels can be found on the Sheriff’s Facebook page or look up your address and check your evacuation status.
Evacuee resources: Red Cross shelter and evacuation reception is open at New Life Church, 202 Church St, Gaston. Household pets allowed. Pet owners should bring crates and other pet supplies if possible. Community members can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or 503-284-1234 for updated shelter information.
Evacuated livestock from the Lee Falls Fire can be transported to Westside Commons/Washington County Fairgrounds. Unfortunately, we cannot accept livestock from neighboring counties at this location.