Helicopters & Air Tankers Battling Canal Creek Fire

The public is urged to stay out of this area so that fire crews can continue to work at containing this fire.

Photos of Canal Creek Fire, courtesy: inciweb

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Canal Creek Fire in the Detroit Wilderness area had grown to 90 acres of 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Fire officials say warm temperatures helped the fire advance upslope through heavy timber with long-range spotting.

Helicopters and air tankers were used to drop water and fire retardants along the active fire front, while hand crews began constructing firelines.

It is reported that no private land or structures are threatened at this time.

Area road closures have also been expanded. They now include the area bounded on the north by Forest Rd. 2212, (Kinney Creek Road), south gate Detroit Dam.

Fire is also threatening the area bounded on the northwest by Forest road 2202, (Monument Peak Road), bordered by State and private land (Roseboro). Following the forest boundary.

A closure is in effect for the area bounded on the West at the junction of road 11, (Quartzville Road), and the 1131 road, and for the area bounded on the south from the Canal Creek Bridge on Road 11 to the east intersection of Forest road 11 and Forest Road 1133.

Also affected is the area bounded by heading northwest from the 1133 Road to the 2212.

Officials say a Type III Incident Management Team took command of the fire at 12:00 p.m. Thursday.

The command post is located at the Sweet Home Ranger District Office in Sweet Home. A fire camp has also been established at Lewis Creek County Park.

The public is urged to stay out of this area so that fire crews can continue to work at containing this fire.

Stay tuned to Salem-News for updated information on this incident.