UPDATE 9/15/2020 at 2:30 p.m.

TVF&R fire investigators have determined the cause of the Chehalem Mountain – Bald Peak Fire to be an improperly extinguished campfire on private property near the 20000 block of Neugebauer Road. As a result of dry fuels, low humidity, high winds as well as steep and rugged terrain, the fire spread very quickly and proved very challenging to fight.

Approximately 875 acres were impacted by the fire, though fire protection, suppression, and patrols have been conducted throughout 1,555 acres. In some cases, fire jumped over areas leaving unburned timber and dry fuels. Though the fire is considered contained, residents will need to remain vigilant and should call 911 to report any spot fires (see additional tips for residents below). Level 2 evacuation zones remain in place since conditions can change quickly. See map for address information https://tvfr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1981954eb1814f9ea896ab7a0eb4f784. Firefighters will remain in the area to mop up hot spots and monitor for flare ups. An audit is being done in the area to verify the number of outbuildings impacted by fire. Firefighters were able to protect all homes.

Residents may notice smoldering stumps for weeks or months.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Check ground for hot spots on their property.
• Create a defensible space around your home and outbuildings. See tips at https://www.tvfr.com/192/Wildfire
• Wet down areas adjacent structures and landscape.
• Maintain access for firefighters working in the area.
• Contact 911 if any active fire is burning or any danger is perceived.

Air quality remains unhealthy and people are encouraged to remain indoors. To get real time air quality information, visit www.airnow.gov.

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UPDATE 9/14/2020 at 3 p.m.

The fire is 100% contained, and most residents have returned home. Though all Level 3 evacuations have been lifted, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared to leave if conditions change. Firefighters will continue to mop up hot spots throughout the week.

Residents returning home may notice smoldering stumps and vegetation. Residents are encouraged to:

• Check ground for hot spots.
• Check roof and landscape for any embers.
• Check wells or pump-houses to ensure they’re in working order.
• Contact 911 if any active fire is burning or any danger is perceived.

PGE has restored power to the area. If residents experience any power problems, they can report it to PGE by calling 503-464-7777 or going online https://new.portlandgeneral.com/outages.

Air quality remains unhealthy and people are encouraged to remain indoors. To get real time air quality information, visit www.airnow.gov .

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UPDATE 9/13/2020 at 1 p.m.

All Level 3 evacuations are now lifted at the Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak Fire. https://tvfr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1981954eb1814f9ea896ab7a0eb4f784

The fire is estimated at 75% contained. Approximately 30 TVF&R firefighters are mopping up. Additional hand crews from Oregon Department of Forestry are also dousing hot spots and contending with tree snags. PGE has been working to restore power.

Air quality remains unhealthy and people are encouraged to remain indoors. To get real-time air quality information, visit www.airnow.gov.

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UPDATE 9/12/2020 at 2:30 p.m.

The fire is now estimated at 75% contained. Firefighters working with crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry will be focusing their efforts on hot spots located within a reduced Level 3 evacuation zone. Incident commanders have evaluated the progress of firefighters and have determined that most the Level 3 zones can be significantly decreased to a Level 2 (safe to return). Power still has not been restored to the area. By reducing the Level 3 zones, PGE will be able to access the area to begin the process of restoring power in a controlled manner.

Due to the change in the evacuation Levels, most residents will be allowed to return home. Residents should be aware that firefighters will be working on hot spots throughout the area, and anyone living inside of the Level 2 area needs to remain “set” to go at a moment’s notice. Fire conditions can change quickly, and incident commanders will continue to evaluate progress and may adjust evacuation zones as necessary.

Residents can enter the address into this interactive map to determine what zone they are in:  https://tvfr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1981954eb1814f9ea896ab7a0eb4f784 

With smoky conditions everywhere, we encourage people to visit the Health and Human Services web sites for tips: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREPAREDNESS/PREPARE/Pages/PrepareForWildfire.aspx#health

Current smoke conditions in Oregon:

https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Wildfires.aspx

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UPDATE 9/11/2020 at 2 p.m.

The fire is considered 70% contained. Approximately 75 firefighters are still working at the fire. Revised estimates of burned area based on ground reconnaissance, aerial footage, and GIS analysis remains 875 acres. Firefighters have been able to protect all homes, but three barns have burned. Fire investigators have been conducting witness interviews and examining material evidence. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Water drops provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) on Thursday, September 10, were instrumental in the fire fight in difficult areas with steep terrain that is hard to reach for ground crews. This afternoon, fire commanders are meeting with ODF representatives with expertise in wildfire tactics to inform the strategy to fully contain the fire.

Some residents who were evacuated have been allowed to return home. The searchable map: https://tvfr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1981954eb1814f9ea896ab7a0eb4f784 shows areas that are now safe, though it’s important for people to be prepared to leave again if fire conditions change.

With smoky conditions everywhere, we encourage people to visit the Health and Human Services web sites for tips: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREPAREDNESS/PREPARE/Pages/PrepareForWildfire.aspx#health

Cassandra Ulven with TVF&R states, “We are very pleased with the progress that has been made on the Chehalem Mountain – Bald Peak Fire and look forward to being able to let more residents return to their homes. Our hearts go out to all the Oregonians who are being affected by wildfires. We urge people to make responsible decisions while conditions remain dry. Please respect burn bans. Avoid activities that could start fires such as improperly discarding smoking materials, use of equipment that can create sparks near combustibles, or recreational fire pits.”
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UPDATE 9/10/2020 at 4 p.m.

Some residents who were evacuated are being allowed to return home. The searchable map at this link https://tvfr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1981954eb1814f9ea896ab7a0eb4f784 shows areas that are now safe, though it’s important for people to be prepared to leave again if fire conditions change. 

There are still 72 firefighters working at the scene of the Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak fire. Considerable progress has been made. Revised estimates of burned area based on ground reconnaissance, aerial footage and GIS analysis is 875 acres. Firefighters have been able to protect all homes, but three barns have burned. Water is being dropped from the air and dozers are being used to cut fire lines. The biggest challenge is steep terrain and canyons. There have been no known injuries to residents, firefighters or animals. The fire is approximately 50% contained. Fire commanders are currently assessing containment progress.

We are very grateful for the level of support we’ve received from partners and members of the community. Though we appreciate the kindness, we do not need food, water or other supplies delivered to fire stations or work sites.
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Original release posted 9/9/2020:

Firefighters continue to battle a significant wildfire located west of Sherwood and north of Newberg that has threatened multiple structures and required level 3 evacuations for approximately 150 residents. 

Containment lines continue to be strengthened, and incident commanders have declared the fire 50 percent contained. Firefighting efforts were significantly reinforced from an aircraft water drop provided by our agency partners at the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office went door-to-door for all level 3 evacuations and will notify any level 2 areas in person as well.

EVACUATION MAP

Level 3 Evacuations: (please see information above and map for areas that have been reduced to Level 2 and 1 as of 9/10/2020 at 4 p.m.)

All or portions of the following roads have been evacuated:
SW Weaver Drive
SW Wildflower Drive
NE Brooks Lane
NE Jaquith Lane
NE Ellis Lane
NE Mountain Top Road
NE Bald Peak Road
NE McCormick Hill Road
NE Bryan Creek
NE Quarter Mile Lane
NE Chehalem Drive
NE Hillside Drive

Mountainside High School
12500 SW 175th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97007

COMFORT CENTERS (Not full shelters – A/C, food, water, showers)
NW Christian Church
2315 Villa Road, Newberg

Northside Community Church
1800 N Hoskin, Newberg

Red Hills Church
115 N Third St., Newberg

ANIMAL SHELTERS
Yamhill County Fairgrounds
2070 NE Lafayette Ave., McMinnville, OR 97128
Contact: Lacey, 503-341-4572 (to make arrangements)

Washington County Fairgrounds
802 NE 28th Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124
Contact: 503-314-3433 (call in advance, so they can prepare for your arrival)
RV Spots and campsites available. Washington County Sheriff’s Posse can care for animals overnight, but owners must provide daily care. 

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Firefighting resources are stretched thin due to multiple regional incidents. Crews will work as quickly as possible to protect structures and contain the fire. Three barns have burned in the fire. No homes have been lost. And no known injuries to livestock. 

This fire is being handled by all local resources (not a conflagration status like other large fires across the state). Download the PulsePoint app to track incidents and their locations.

Updates are also being posted to our Facebook and Twitter pages.