Lee Falls Fire evacuations still in place as wildfire near Henry Hagg Lake rages on
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders remain in place Friday morning for areas adjacent to the Lee Falls Fire near Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County, including the entire community of Cherry Grove.
Fire officials issued the orders Thursday afternoon as the fire reached at least 200 acres with 0% containment. It first started around 11 a.m. before growing and heading uphill to burn brush, grass and some trees while putting several homes in jeopardy.
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations: City of Cherry Grove and Washington County residents between Southwest Oak Street and Nixon Drive. Regions west of Lee Road and south of Southwest Sain Creek Road.
Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations: Area from north of Southwest Sain Creek Road to Scoggins Valley Road and Stepien Road.
For the most up-to-date evacuation zones, residents can visit the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Map.
Displaced community members are encouraged to go to the Knights of Pythias Gaston Lodge at 210 Front Street next to the Gaston Market. The Washington County Fairgrounds is also open to accept displaced horses and livestock.
Meanwhile, Henry Hagg Lake is temporarily closed so aircraft can assist with firefighting efforts.
As of Thursday evening, the Gaston Fire Department reported at least 60 fire engines, tenders and brush units on the fire and 150 firefighters on the scene of the fire, adding that they would be “working through the night to protect homes and work to establish holding lines for the fire.”
Stefan Meyers, a spokesperson for the Gaston Rural Fire Protection District, told KOIN 6 News the fire likely sparked near a road and quickly grew from there, with agencies from all over the region moving in to help.
“Fire agencies from all over Washington County rallied quickly for mutual aid to support the area and fire response, and at the same time they were doing two things: One was to work around the flanks of the fire to try and get control of it, while also protecting some of the structures that are in this area,” Meyers said.
The swift wind changes combined with mixed brush made for a challenging situation for firefighters as the flames eventually jumped across the Tualatin River, sparking additional acreage, he said.
According to Meyers, three people — including two firefighters — were hurt during the fire. However, none of the injuries were serious.
Just last month, the Oregon Department of Forestry conducted training at Hagg Lake for firefighters using planes to air-drop water.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.