Urgent Level 3 ‘GO NOW’ Evacuation Order Issued in Oregon Amid Fires

A tree stump is engulfed in flames in Oregon in a file photo. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images)

Authorities in Oregon issued a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order in Lane County due to the quick spread of the Lookout Fire in the Willamette National Forest.

“Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation Notice: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Danger is current or imminent and you should evacuate now. If you choose to ignore this notice, emergency services may not be able to assist you further,” officials said. “DO NOT DELAY leaving to gather items or protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until it’s safe.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal said that high temperatures and gusty winds on Sunday rapidly spread the Lookout Fire. Meanwhile, Gov. Tina Kotek issued an emergency declaration for the fire, which allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters around the state.

“The Lookout Fire has been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Lane County,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple told reporters. “The next few days are very concerning with continued red flag conditions. To face these challenging conditions will coordinate the resources necessary through the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to help our local fire service partners.”

The Level 3 evacuation order was issued for Taylor Road, North Bank Road, all areas north of Highway 126 between Blue River Reservoir Road and Drury Lane, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and HJ Andrews Experimental Forest headquarters, according to officials. As of Monday morning, about 200 acres have been burned so far.

“With incredibly hot, dry conditions expected over the next several days, I would like to urge everyone to be extremely cautious and to follow all fire restrictions and closures,” Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold said in a recent evacuation notice. “The McKenzie Bridge community is also encouraged to monitor the status of this fire carefully, sign up for emergency alerts, and be ready to go if conditions change.”

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The Statesman-Journal reported that the fire occurred naturally following a lightning strike.

At the same time, the Flat Fire, which is burning near the town of Agness near the confluence of the Illinois and Rogue Rivers, is still the largest one in Oregon. The fire, which is at around 50 percent containment, has burned 33,861 acres after erupting July 15, according to Inciweb.

In a recent report, federal officials say (pdf) that in August and September 2023, the entire state of Oregon is at an elevated risk of wildfires.

“Significant fire potential will be above average for the entire geographic area in August and September. In October, elevated risk of significant fires will shift west of the Cascades due to the likelihood of dry easterly winds in autumn. By November, significant fire risk will decrease back to normal (i.e., low) for the entire geographic area as cooler and wetter weather arrives,” it says.