Evacuations lifted as crews work to line 189-acre Santiam Park fire

LYONS, Ore. – All evacuation orders have been lifted after a fast-growing brush fire broke out near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off of Highway 22, the Oregon Department of Forestry said.

At one point, the brush fire was threatening 42 homes and 30 outbuildings.

As of Wednesday afternoon, crews say they have the fire 80 percent lined. Firefighters will remain on-scene until the fire is completely out.

The 42 homes were under a Level 3 (Go!) evacuation order in both Linn and Marion counties. A Level 3 evacuation order means residents were advised to leave their homes.

No structures have been lost.

The fire began Tuesday afternoon in the area off Highway 22. The Oregon Department of Forestry said it jumped the Santiam River Tuesday.

On Tuesday, officials said the Level 3 evacuation order applied to residents living west of Neighbor’s Lane, including 25th Avenue, River Loop, and Oak Lane.

A Red Cross shelter was set up at Mari-Line Elementary School for evacuated residents.

Berva Bennett lives just outside the area that was evacuated.

"I started packing things up because that’s what my kids told me to do, so I did! Yeah, I was ready in case something happened," she said.

Bennett said she called 911 right away when she saw the fire.

There are currently 75 personnel working on the fire with resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Corrections, Lyons Fire Department, Mill City Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department and other local agencies and private contractors.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has been using bulldozers and a helicopter to help fight the fire.

Wednesday, crews plan to fight the fire aggressively and strengthen containment lines.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The recreational area is closed.

The fire is not affecting traffic on Highway 22.