Evacuation Order Lifted after Wildfire Threatens Salem, Oregon
SALEM, Ore. (Reuters) – On Thursday, the evacuation order for residents on the outskirts of Salem, Oregon, was lifted after the threat from a wildfire subsided.
Authorities from the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s office issued a joint statement confirming that the fire had been contained by air crews at around 7:15 PM local time. They further announced that residents were now allowed to return to their homes. However, fire patrols would continue to monitor the area throughout the evening and for the next day.
The evacuation order was issued on Wednesday, following a warning from the Marion County Sheriff on social media site X, urging residents to leave immediately. Deputies went door to door to ensure everyone’s safety, while the Oregon State Fire Marshall mobilized resources such as fixed-wing tankers, an air attack platform, and a helicopter to combat the blaze.
According to the Statesman Journal, the fire had already burned approximately 10 acres (4 hectares) by Wednesday. The blaze was located south of the city limits, in the interface between densely populated areas and green space.
Salem, a city with a population of 180,000 people, is situated about 50 miles (80 km) south of Portland in northwestern Oregon.
The firefighters’ swift response and containment efforts resulted in lifting the evacuation order, allowing residents to return home with a sense of relief. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Reporting by Daniel Trotta and Nilutpal Timsina; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Mark Potter