Priceboro Fire update

Oregon Department of Forestry - South Cascade 

Priceboro Fire Update: August 4, 2023 at 10:30 p.m.:

Firefighters slow 200-acre Priceboro Fire northeast of Eugene.

Harrisburg, Ore. – Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascade District, two task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, local districts, and private contractors significantly slowed the Priceboro Fire located eight-miles northeast of Eugene outside of Harrisburg.

ODF crews provided a strong initial attack through Friday evening with seven aircraft, 14 engines, two hand crews, four tenders and three dozers. Overnight, crews will continue to place dozer and handline around the fire to try and keep it within its current footprint. Additional resources were ordered and will join firefighting efforts tomorrow morning.

“Because of these unseasonably dry conditions and strong winds, we had some incredible fire behavior out there,” said ODF District Forester Chris Cline. “Our crews provided a strong initial attack, and we dropped a lot of water and retardant on the fire to slow the rate of spread. The fire is currently holding around 200 acres, and we feel confident we can hold it there. We intend to grab the fire tonight and hope to start securing the edges heading into Saturday.”

The current hot, dry conditions can make wildfires unpredictable and hard to control. The department urges the public to check local fire restrictions at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

“It’s really hot and dry out there,” said ODF District Forester Chris Cline. “With these near-extreme conditions, we need the public’s help to keep fire off the landscape. The vegetation is very receptive to fire, so we’re asking the public to be mindful and do their part.”

The fire started sometime around 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023. The cause is under investigation. A Level 3 (go now) evacuation remains in place through the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (www.linnsheriff.org). Fire officials are asking the public to avoid travelling on area roads near the fire to allow for emergency responders and equipment to reach the fire.

Photos are from the initial attack from earlier Friday.