Level 1 Be Ready evacuation alerts remain in place for Moon Mountain Fire
This story was updated at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
A fire on Moon Mountain briefly prompted the evacuation of eight houses on Snowberry Road south of Interstate 5 in east Eugene.
A Level 1 Get Ready evacuation status remains in place Wednesday for evacuation Zone 32, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. Zone 32 is bounded by Interstate 5, 30th Avenue and Augusta Street.
Find your zone here:
Oregon Department of Forestry-Western Lane District reported Wednesday morning that firefighters overnight were able to keep the fire contained to its 34.4-acre footprint.
Officials said there is no fire on the ground anymore but about 120 firefighters will spend Wednesday addressing hot spots. Two engines, two water tenders and a bulldozer will be working at the scene. A helicopter is available as needed on standby.
The goal is to eliminate any lasting smoke from the fire by the end of the day. However, much of the haze in the area is not from this fire but from smoke drifting south from wildfires in Canada.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Oregon Department of Forestry-Western Lane District is overseeing command of the fire. Updates will be provided on its Facebook page and shared on Eugene Springfield's page.
Be aware of alerts
Nearby residents are asked to pay attention to emergency alert systems for the ready, set, go evacuation levels.
Emergency Alerts are sent through Everbridge. Alerts for landlines are automatic, but residents must sign up to receive alerts on a cell phone.
Go to LaneAlerts.org to create a free Lane Alerts account and select where and how you would like to receive emergency alerts. Residents can also text their ZIP code to 888777.
Waiting for word
Dozens of people in the East Ridge neighborhood of about 150 homes were watching and waiting Monday night.
Chris Johnson, a resident in the neighborhood, said he was out getting ice cream with his wife and three kids when their ring doorbell app went off and they saw a police officer at the door.
"He told us what was going on. We rushed home, got the dog and packed our stuff," Johnson said.
He said the truck was packed and the family and dog Kona were ready to go.
"We're just trying to see if it'll stop before it gets to the house," he said. "It's getting close."
Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Mike Caven, who was at the fire Monday night, said when crews arrived, they found the fire spreading both north and south through the Moon Mountain city park area.
"We called in additional resources throughout the county and evacuated eight homes along Snowberry here out of precaution as the fire was backing down the hill," he said.
He said a helicopter was ordered but they weren't able to secure one to assist Monday. He said fire officials called in hand crews and additional engine crews to support the effort throughout the night.
"Probably the most important note for everybody is there is going to be smoke and there's going to be fire seen in the perimeter of the fire overnight," he said. "Firefighters will be on scene working on putting out any hot spots and working the perimeter probably for the next two or three days."
Fire crews from Junction City, Lane Fire Authority, Lowell, Mohawk Valley, Coburg, Oregon Department of Forestry, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Coos Fire Patrol Association, Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue and the Oregon State Fire Marshal were assisting in battling the fire.
Oregon evacuation levels
Level 1- Be Ready
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
Level 2- Be Set
You must prepare to leave at a moment's notice: This level indicates there is a significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.
This may be the only notice given: Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
Level 3- Leave Immediately
Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.
If you are advised to evacuate, take your emergency supply kit, lock your home and choose a route away from the fire hazard. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and smoke.
Tell someone when you left and where you are going. Check in with them when you arrive.
What do I bring?
If immediate evacuation is required, remember:
People
Pets
Personal computer
Prescriptions and COVID-19 masks
Paperwork (important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance)
Pictures (or other keepsakes that cannot be replaced)
Phone (as well as chargers)
Plastic (credit/bank cards)
If you have time, experts suggest turning on sprinklers and turning off your main gas line before you evacuate. You may also want to bring:
Pet food and water bowls
Map of the area and evacuation routes
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Carryon luggage with wheels/backpacks
Clothes
Infant formula and diapers and toys for children
Toilet paper/wet wipes/paper towels
Toiletries
Duct tape/bungee cords/rope
Tools
Battery-powered radio and batteries
Pocket knife
Compass
Sunscreen and bug spray
Gloves
Extra car keys
Road flares or triangle reflectors
Disinfectant (60% alcohol)
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Level 1 evacuation alerts remain in place for Moon Mountain Fire
