Breitenbush, Lava Lake under Level 1 'Get Ready' evacuation; Elk Lake at Level 2 'Get Set'

EUGENE, Ore. - People in the Breitenbush Hot Springs area have been told to "get ready" to evacuate if necessary due to wildfires burning the area.

Marion County officials approved a Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notice for the resorts and the surrounding area Wednesday.

Wildfires are currently burning about 3 miles from the resort.

The area also includes the Humbug and Breitenbush Campgrounds; the Fox Creek and Cleator Bend Group Sites, and the Short Mountain and Bald Butte Trailheads.

"These campgrounds and trails remain open to the public, although under the Level 1 Evacuation notice," Willamette Wildfire Information said in a statement. "The Marion County cities of Detroit and Idanha are not included in this evacuation notice."

Evacuation notices work on a scale of Level 1 (Get Ready) to Level 2 (Get Set) to Level 3 (GO!).

The Whitewater Fire, Little Devil Fire and the Scorpion Fire are all burning the area.

Forest visitors should check on local restrictions on fire. The Willamette National Forest has banned all fires, including fires in fire pits in established campgrounds.

Nash Fire prompts evacuations

The Elk Lake area is now under a Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation notice due to the Nash Fire. The area was placed under a Level 1 "Get Ready" evacuation notice on Tuesday.

"You must prepare to leave at a moment's notice," according to Willamette Wildfires Information. "This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Also due to the Nash Fire, a Level 1 "Get Ready" evacuation notices has been issued for areas around Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake, including Lave Lake Resort, Lave Lake Campground and Little Lava Lake Campground.