OR Dept. of Forestry release – VENETA, Ore. (July 24, 2023) – Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District, Bureau of Land Management and partner agencies continued mop-up operations on the Haight Creek Fire and achieved 40% containment by Sunday morning. Firefighters gained more access into the fire’s perimeter to expand their mop-up efforts after clearing overhead hazards near the line for crew safety. Residents may notice some smoke as the interior of the fire burns remaining fuel within the fire’s footprint. This is in addition to haze in the air originating from bigger fires further away. ODF will conduct routine patrols around the fire perimeter to monitor conditions and ensure any fire activity remains within the fire footprint. “Fighting an active fire always draws a lot of the public’s attention, but the mop-up phase is equally important, and it takes considerably more time,” said Ole Buch, ODF District Forester, “Folks are often surprised that trapped heat within the fire can smolder for months and even put off smoke. District staff will patrol the fire’s perimeter throughout the summer to keep a close eye.” ODF’s Western Lane District is very thankful for the support of our suppression aircraft, heavy equipment and hand crews from our local ODF districts and Coos and Douglas Fire Protective Associations, Bureau of Land Management, private and public partners. Oxbow Road remains closed near the fire for firefighter safety. The public is urged to avoid the area for their own safety. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Due to the status of this incident, this will be the final update on the Haight Creek Fire unless conditions significantly change. Oregon Department of Forestry Western Lane District is located at 87950 Territorial Highway Veneta, OR 97487.
