The Gales Creek Campground is closing early for the season to allow for the installation of new culverts and a road widening project at the popular campground on the eastern
Ninety-one years ago to the day, a logging crew at the end of a railroad spur in the upper reaches of the Gales Creek Watershed sparked a wildfire. That spark became the Tillamook Burn.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said the Lee Falls Fire was 100% lined Friday night, keeping the fire at 280 acres. "With control lines established around the fire, and many areas plumbed with fire hose, the arduous process of mop up begins," the Oregon Department of Forestry said.
The Lee Falls Fire, threatening homes in Cherry Grove, is now estimated at up to 250 acres, the Oregon Department of Forestry said, while Gaston Rural Fire District estimated it at 200 acres in a late night update Thursday.
"Basically, every fire agency in Washington County came to respond to it," Stefan Myers, a TVF&R PIO speaking on behalf of Gaston Fire said. The 100+ acre fire has prompted evacuations, a Hagg Lake closure and brought more than 100 firefighters to the region.
A Cherry Grove area fire, cause still unknown, was burning near Hagg Lake, sending a column of smoke visible from Gaston and surrounding areas into already hazy skies.
A wildfire burning in the Cherry Grove area has prompted the closure of Hagg Lake to allow for aircraft to land and draw water to fight the fire burning south of the lake.
If the states two largest electric utilities get what theyve asked for, their 1.5 million customers in Oregon could pay 40% more for electricity next year than they did just three years ago.�
A potluck, representatives from local public safety agencies, prizes, games and more are on tap for the annual National Night Out event held nationwide and in Gales Creek.
