Update Aug. 23, 11:04 p.m.:
The following is a joint press release regarding the “Liberty Fire” from Salem Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Salem Fire Department received a dispatch report of a grass fire in the 6300 block of Liberty Rd. S, Salem, just north of Jory Hill Rd. S, on Aug. 23 at 2:48 p.m.
The fire quickly spread to a two alarm and crews from SFD, Keizer Fire, Polk County Fire, Turner Fire, Jefferson Fire, Stayton Fire, and Marion County Fire responded. Air units were quickly called in for assistance and attacked the fire from the air. Unified command was set up at Crossler Middle School at approximately 3:45 p.m. and, shortly after, an evacuation point was set up at nearby Judson Middle School for residences and in the same area for livestock animals as well.
Marion County Sheriff’s deputies, along with Salem police, began working to evacuate area residences threatened by the fire. At approximately 7:15 p.m., air crews were able to contain the fire.
The evacuation notice has since been lifted and residents are able to return home. Fire patrols will remain in the area throughout the evening and tomorrow monitoring the terrain, fire behavior and weather activity.
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Salem Fire issued a Level 3 – Go Now – Evacuate Immediately wildfire alert for residents west of Skyline Road South and Jory Hill Road South at approximately 3:55 p.m. today.
The department reported people in the area should leave without delay because it is unsafe to stay and threatens their safety, as well as the safety of emergency responders. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help if people choose to stay.
No further information about the fire or evacuation alert are yet available. A map of current fires can be found at www.wildfire.oregon.gov, but no fire in that area is yet recorded. It is likely in relation to the Liberty Fire.
Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.
Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de Salem Fire. Nivel 3 – ¡VAYASE AHORA! Evacúe de inmediato de las siguientes zonas: WEST OF SKYLINE RD S & JORY HILL RD S.
- Do not stop to gather your belongings or protect your home. Follow your emergency plan.
- Leave as fast as safely possible. Drive carefully. Turn on your headlights. Follow traffic safety warnings and instructions from local authorities. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
- If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.
After you evacuate:
- Do not return to the area until public safety officials announce the area is safe.
- Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio. {Local Resource for more Info}
- Once you are safe, check with friends and family.
- Visit wildfire.oregon.gov for more info.