In the last two weeks the Bruler Fire, the 195-acre fire about nine miles north of Detroit Lake, has not grown significantly. That and the fact that it is now 75% contained has led to the reopening of several popular locations. These locations include the Old Cascades, Quartzville Creek Corridor, and the Middle Santiam Wilderness. There are still some closures to the north of Forest Service Road 11.
According to the National Forest Service, they can’t fully put out the Bruler Fire because of the impassable terrain it is on. However, they are keeping a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t leap the sprinkler line that’s been set up around the fire’s perimeter.
While destinations close to the fire are open, the Forest Service warns that should conditions worsen people may need to leave the area on short notice.
Conditions around the Bruler Fire may be opening up, but other wildfires have caused closures in several areas. These include the Middle Fork Complex, parts of the McKenzie River, and the Mount Washington Wilderness.
The cause of the Bruler Fire is still under investigation, but it was ignited on July 12.
For hourly updates on these fires, you can visit the Statesman Journal’s Hazard Mapping System: Fire and Smoke.
By Jalen Todd
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