Canyon Creek Fire in Eastern Oregon Grows To 67000 Acres

“It is working closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other agencies”.

Azalea, Or. – Someone has created some hand painted pictures that say thanks to crews fighting the more than 26,000 acre Stouts Creek fire in Southern Oregon.

Between Thursday and Friday mornings, the fire exploded from 19 square miles to 75, fueled by strong winds and extremely dry terrain.

Fire crews in Chelan County are also employing helicopters in an effort to contain the Castle Creek arm of the nearby Wolverine Fire, burning on the southwest shore of Lake Chelan.

Fire officials were focused on protecting homes and didn’t plan a full-scale assault on the blaze.

The local newspaper is reporting that 3 more homes have burned, but the State Fire Marshal’s office still has the number at 36.

“Firefighters are doing pretty well as far as getting the line buttoned up, and they’re doing a lot of good work”, said fire information officer Vince Mazzier.

The American Red Cross is closing down its shelter near the blaze to head to the Grizzly Fire near the Oregon-Washington border.

Homeowners were put on evacuation alert ahead of hotter weather expected over the weekend. Its cause remained under investigation.

“Must leave” evacuation orders are in place for west of Country Road 62, north of Road 16, Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Canyon Creek up to Canyon City and the 15, 16 junction.