Wildfire Update: Aubrey Mountain Fire

Presenter: With the wildfire update for commissioners Aug. 12, Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky:

Steve Mokrohisky (Lane County, administrator): An update on fire activity: Last Thursday, a wildfire broke out just east of Oakridge. It’s called the Aubrey Mountain Fire. Thankfully, plenty of air support and quick response from fire crews on the ground over the weekend kept the fire small and away from homes. Really fast and rapid and intensive response from fire crews.

[00:00:28] The Sheriff’s Office was quick on the scene to assist with evacuations Thursday night when residents on Roberts Ranch Road and Dunning Road were asked to evacuate their homes. That was a Level 3 evacuation notice that was put out and the Sheriff’s Office was on top of that.

[00:00:44] There is an estimated 55 people and 17 homes in that area. Thanks to the aggressive suppression of the fire, the evacuation notice was lowered to a Level 1 on Sunday. So we’re sitting at a Level 1 on that fire.

[00:00:58] And I just again, want to recognize, our emergency management team, the Sheriff’s Office, Devon Ashbridge, our public information officer, in particular, who assisted along with law enforcement and first responders in making sure that we got information out effectively to those residents.

[00:01:14] Presenter: The Oregon Department of Forestry reminds us that we are heading into the peak of the fire season in late August and September, and that our wildfire season now extends into October.

[00:01:25] The Oregon Department of Emergency Management urges everyone to prepare by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.

[00:01:37] And your Lane County COAD encourages you to sign up for alerts and check in with neighbors who may need help.