Haight Creek Fire Oregon

The Haight Creek Fire in Oregon has been burning since July 18, 2023, and it has grown to 100 acres as of July 20, 2023. The fire is located in a remote area southwest of Crow, and it is burning in heavily wooded terrain with steep slopes, which has made it difficult for firefighters to contain it. The fire is 0% contained as of July 20, 2023.

The Oregon Department of Forestry estimated that the fire is burning about 13 miles southwest of Veneta on Bureau of Land Management-managed land, and it started on the evening of July 18, 2023. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

More than 140 firefighters from multiple agencies are working on the fire, and they have been challenged by the rugged terrain and heavy fuels in the area. Crews worked through the night to build a fire line around the perimeter of the fire, and they are preparing to begin containment. Day crews are holding and improving the fire line around the perimeter, as well as clearing dead timber and removing flammable materials 20 feet into the fire where possible.

Air operations with six airtanker planes and six helicopters began on July 19 and continued on July 20. The aircraft are scooping water from the nearby Fern Ridge Reservoir to dump on the fire. Oxbow Road is closed near the fire to assist firefighting efforts, and the public is advised to avoid the area for their own safety.

Forestry officials said that removing snags, which refers to dead timber that’s still standing, will be a focus out of safety for firefighters as fire activity slows down. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office advised those who wished to recreate on the Fern Ridge Reservoir to reconsider for the time being.

The Oregon Department of Forestry said that they intend to keep the fire as small as possible to protect natural resources and are very thankful for all their partners on the fire and the tremendous work they’ve achieved. However, they still have a lot of work ahead of them to ensure that the fire stays within its footprint.