This is the most recent map available from authorities showing the extent of the Santiam Fire. The red dots represent fire hot spots detected overnight by satellite. (Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)
EVACUATIONS:
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t listed any updates to evacuation zones from those listed Tuesday afternoon.
The Santiam Canyon remains closed and evacuation orders remain in effect for communities from Lyons to Idanha.
Several communities remain on alert for a possible evacuation. Listed as Level 2 – “be set” to go – include Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville and Mt Angel and Oregon Highway 213.
Silverton city officials posted on social media Tuesday evening: “The city is aware that many people have voluntarily evacuated the city today. If you have a safe place where you can go, we encourage you to go there. Otherwise, please be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.”
WEATHER:
The region remains under a red flag warning Wednesday. For Salem, the National Weather Service is forecasting winds from the north at 11 to 14 mph with gusts to 21 mph and then calming by Thursday morning. Temperature: high of 85 on Wednesday, high of 92 on Thursday, meaning critical fire conditions will continue.
Early Wednesday, winds were about 6 mph at the Salem airport.
TRAVEL:
Getting to the east side of the state from the Salem area isn’t easy. Oregon Highway 22 through Santiam Canyon remains closed at Stayton. U.S. Highway 20 is closed at Sweet Home and U.S. 126 along the McKenzie River is closed at Springfield. Oregon Tripcheck shows that Oregon Highway 58 going southeast out of Eugene is open as is U.S. 26 over Mount Hood.
For the latest road closures, go to Tripcheck.
SHELTER:
The Oregon State Fairgrounds continues to serve as a relief camp for evacuees. As of late Tuesday night, the fairgrounds still had room for animals.
According to Marion County, RV and tent camping is allowed at the fairgrounds at no cost. Food, water and restrooms are available.
The Polk County Fairgrounds has room for livestock. Call 503-623-3048 to make arrangements.
UPDATES:
Marion County officials have scheduled a news conference for 9 a.m. Wednesday to address fire issues.
There has been no official accounting of missing or injured people and no assessments yet of building destruction and damage.
MAP:
The latest fire mapping provided by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (Zoom in for detailed local information)
