Fire Crews Battle Wildfire Near Detroit

Citizens are asked to remain clear of the affected area so that crews can get in and attack the fire.

File photo

(SALEM, Ore.) - A fire was reported in the upper Elk Creek drainage area around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, approximately 8 miles southwest of the town of Detroit, and about 2 miles west of Slate Rock.

The fire was estimated to be 35 acres in size. Fire resources are responding to the location at this time.

These resources include a hand crew, an engine company, a heavy-lift helicopter and additional personnel from the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry. Personnel on scene report that the fire is currently “running up the ridge”.

We do not have any more specific information on which direction this fire is spreading, or any estimates for containment.

No road closures or flight restrictions have been put in place at this time. Reports of smoke are being called in throughout the Santiam Canyon area, from Idanha down to the outskirts of Salem.

Citizens are asked to remain clear of the affected area so that crews can get in and attack the fire.

Initial resources will likely be utilizing the Quartzville Road (FS Road 11) and the #1131 Road which branches off to the north near the Yellowbottom Campground. They also may be working off the #2212 Road (which crosses Detroit Dam) and the #2202 Road to the northeast.

Salem News will keep you updated on this story as more information is made available.