Marion County Sheriff’s Office Wildfire Evacuation Update, as of 4:00 p.m. September 28th, 2020.
There have not been any changes to the evacuation levels in Marion County. As a reminder, to access the cities of Detroit and Idanha please see the below information on the process and daily schedule.
As extensive work is being undertaken by ODOT and their crews to get OR 22E reopened following the recent wildfires, they’ve added an additional daily pilot car trip from Detroit to Gates at 7:30 am each day. For up to date info on pilot car schedules and access to OR 22E and other Oregon highways please visit www.tripcheck.com.
Detroit/Idanha Access Using Pilot Cars Daily:
The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with multiple contractors to remove hazardous trees and debris along OR 22E between mile post 33, in Gates, and mile post 65, near Marion Forks. To allow residents access to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, ODOT will be using pilot cars to lead residents through the closed sections of OR 22E between Gates and Detroit. Residents may travel freely between Detroit and Idanha with OR 22E closed to eastbound traffic at mile post 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Rd.
As a reminder, there is no through access to the Santiam Pass from the Detroit/Idanha area at this time. Tree removal in the area between Gates and Detroit will cause delays for the inbound and outbound pilot car trips. Residents should expect at least one hour to make a one-way trip.
Pilot cars guiding residents between Gates and Detroit will be limited to the following daily schedule:
• 7:30 a.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates
• 9 a.m. – Leaving Gates for Detroit and Idanha
• 11 a.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates
• 1 p.m. – Leaving Gates for Detroit and Idanha
• 5 p.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates
Due to the remaining hazards in the cities of Detroit and Idanha and lack of basic services, we request people nonresidents of Detroit and Idanha to refrain from traveling to this area. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with partner law enforcement agencies to maintain an enhanced presence in the Detroit and Idanha communities as residents return to the area.
North Fork Rd / Elkhorn:
The North Fork Road corridor has been reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” status up to the boundary with U.S. Forest Service property, near mile post 15.5. Some roadways will remain closed to traffic by Marion County Public Works while trees are removed and damaged culverts and roadways can be repaired:
• Gates Hill Road between North Fork Rd and OR 22E
• North Fork Rd east of Gates Hill Road
Numerous fire damaged trees remain near roadways and properties. These trees may fall at any time. Power has not yet been restored to the North Fork area. We urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared encounter downed trees on the road.
• Watch out for falling rocks and debris in the roadway.
• Do not approach downed power lines.
• Drive slowly! Be watchful for personnel working in the roadway as road cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing.
• Keep a safe distance from septic tanks and other buried structures that may have been damaged in the fire.
• All county parks located within the fire zone are closed.
• Comply with roadway signs and instructions provided by road crews, utility workers and law enforcement.
• Keep dogs on leashes, many hazards exist which may be harmful to animals.
The Willamette National Forest remains closed to the public at this time, updates can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.
For more information about removal of wildfire ash & debris please visit: https://www.co.marion.or.us/…/Fire/Pages/default.aspx
If you need help finding the following: Food Pantries, Emergency Financial Assistance, Medical Services, Housing Information and Support and more, please visit https://www.midvalleyresources.org/
Visit the Wild Fire Resource page to connect with services to help you and our communities recover: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/
Evacuation levels for communities in Marion County as of 4:00 p.m. on September 28th, 2020:
Level 3 – “Go”
Breitenbush
Crooked Finger Rd south of the cattle guard
Level 2 – “Be Set”
Detroit
Idanha
OR 22E between mile post 33 to 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Road
Level 1 – “Ready”
Mill City
Gates
Lyons
Mehama
The evacuation map and resources for community members impacted by the recent wildfires can be found on the Marion County website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/fire.
Community members who reside in Linn County may find up to date information at https://www.LinnSheriff.org.
