Wildfire evacuations lifted south of Salem after Liberty Fire reaches 100% containment
More than 100 firefighters, along with more than 100 trucks, planes and vehicles, fought the 50-acre Liberty Road fire south of Salem that forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents Wednesday night.
The fire was 100% contained as of Thursday morning.
The blaze started as a grass fire and was first reported at about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday on Liberty Road South near Jory Hill Road South. It quickly moved into burning timber, with flames as tall as trees threatening homes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hundreds evacuated due to wildfire
As the flames spread, about 600 South Salem residents were placed under Level 3 "go now" evacuations and ordered to leave immediately due to imminent danger. People fled their homes, some with pets and livestock in tow.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Salem Police officers knocked on doors and assisted in the evacuation of residents. An evacuation point was set up at nearby Judson Middle School.
The fire quickly spread to a two-alarm status and crews from Salem Fire Department, Keizer Fire, Polk County Fire, Turner Fire, Jefferson Fire, Stayton Fire and Marion County fire responded.
"The Marion County Fire Agencies across the county maintain a robust intra-county mutual aid system," Salem Fire Chief Mike Niblock said. "This mutual aid system enables the provision of additional support within the county, as well as from neighboring counties, to effectively address all-hazard incidents. I am grateful to all the agencies that responded quickly to this fire."
Air units were quickly called in for assistance and attacked the fire from the air, dropping water on the blaze.
The fire was determined to be contained at about 7:15 p.m., and firefighters on the ground focused through the night on putting out hot spots.
The level 3 notice was lifted and residents were able to return home.
No homes burned in Liberty Fire
No injuries were reported, and no homes burned, but two outbuildings caught fire.
Officials said fire patrols remained in the area Thursday monitoring the terrain, fire behavior and weather activity. City officials said hot spots, snags and other hazards remain in the area.
City spokesman Trevor Smith said a burn ban is not planned at this time, but officials will continue to monitor the weather conditions.
Fire concerns in South Salem
The Liberty Fire was not the first time South Salem residents faced evacuation and quick-spreading grass fires.
Last year's Vitae Springs Fire burned 124 acres and led to a series of evacuations.
Smith said the region is largely rural with hills and valleys that make it difficult to access.
"The presence of dry brush bordering homes and several roadways also makes it easier for fires to start," he said. "As Salem becomes drier with less frequent rain storms, residents should prepare their properties by developing firebreaks and buffer zones by clearing unnecessary brush away from their property."
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon wildfires: Liberty Fire south of Salem 100% contained
