Update 1 | Saturday | May 27, 2023, 2245 PT

A wildfire designated as the 7K Fire is burning about 10 miles southwest of Venta near Alma (Lane County), on private industrial timberland and a few acres impacting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

It was reported at 1300 hours PT on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2023.

Resources include Oregon Department of Forestry crews assisting Western Lane District crews, Douglas Forest Protection Agency, Coos FPA, contractors, and local fire resources and equipment. There is a total of two 20-person hand crews and two engines.

At the initial start of the incident, fire behavior was observed as very active with a high rate of spread due to windy conditions and steep terrain. This prompted the deployment of additional resources including a Type 1, Type 2, and two Type 3 helicopters. The aggressive initial fire attack immediately began from Day One.

The fire remained active overnight.

A spot fire occurred to the southeast of the main body of the fire and grew to an estimated 20 acres. After sunlight, air resources including a total of six helicopters (3 Type 1, 2 Type 3, and 1 Type 2) were dispatched to the area and immediately dropped water over the fire line. They also dropped over the main body of the fire before ending operations at sundown.

The fire has been estimated currently at 300 acres and crews have successfully gained a 30% containment status. They will work throughout the night to focus on reaching their assigned tasks and objectives.

In tonight’s operations, firefighters are mainly focusing on putting lines around the spot and also the main fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

No homes are threatened at this time. There are no evacuations in effect.

Perkins Peninsula County Park is closed for the public’s safety. Officials are asking the public to stay away and out of the area.

PHOTO CREDITS | ODF – Western Lane District

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