(Cherry Grove, Ore.) – Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Type 3 Incident Management Team, along with a Type 3 Incident Management Team from structural firefighters and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, continue protecting the community of Cherry Grove today.
With over 175 personnel from ODF, contract, and crews of adults in custody from Coffee Creek and South Fork Forest Camp working to mop up the fire line today, some community members can return to their homes. Two task forces of structural firefighters remain to protect homes and structures.
The interior of the Lee Falls fire continues to burn slowly so residents will experience some smoke. With recent fire activity, snags present a hazard around some roads. Snags are dead or burned standing trees that may easily fall. Crews today will continue removing hazards increasing safety for residents and firefighters. Strong caution is urged for any residents returning to areas recently removed from Level 3 evacuations.
“Thank you for your work on this incident,” said Mike Cafferata, Forest Grove District Forester. “These forests are key to the local economy, the Tualatin River valley is a watershed for local drinking water, and Hagg Lake is a recreational destination for families and visitors. Keeping the fire as small as possible protects these important natural resources.”
Mop up, the process of cooling the perimeter of the fire to reduce the chance of spot fires or heat from escaping the perimeter, continues today with crews working to achieve 50 feet of cold burned ground from the fire’s edge. As mop up progresses, containment percentage of the fire will increase.
Two structural taskforces from Marion and Tillamook Counties will mainly be in patrol status today, helping on the line if necessary. No structures or homes have been destroyed or damaged by the fire.
The Lee Falls Fire was reported Thursday, August 8, around 11 a.m. and is estimated to be approximately 280 acres and is 100% lined. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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
Some areas of Cherry Grove were reduced to level 2 evacuation notices last night. Level 3 evacuation notices are still in effect on SW Summit Avenue and SW Lee Falls Road. If you access your residence off either of these roads, a level 3 evacuation notice is still in effect. This includes SW Nixon Drive, SW Oak Street, and SW Peach Street.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will maintain a police presence in the area. Thank you for your continued patience as crews work to make the area safe. It is crucial for the public to adhere to the evacuation directives still in place and stay 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:
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.
