SIT REP 1: July 15, 2023, 1225 PT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A structure fire broke out at a home in the intersection of Hwy 47 and Hwy 26 (turn off to Banks) causing it to spread into the urban wildland interface, sparking several residential fires and small spot fires.

Firefighters from the Banks Fire District 13 responded and immediately requested a wildland task force to help with fire suppression on multiple fires from the sustaining high winds, causing additional challenges from tight accessibility, downed power lines, and a limited water supply.

The house fire is located in the 45000 block of NW Sunset Highway (Hwy 26).

EVACUATIONS – LEVEL 1 – GET READY

Level 1 evacuation order (Be Ready) has been issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 1149 PT. This is for all residents approximately one mile east and south of the fire (Hwy 26 Hwy 47) Banks turnoff.

CURRENT STATUS

Evacuation Level 1 has been issued, which means to get ready for a possible full evacuation of your home, business, or area structure. Gather your important photos including photo ID, driver’s license, monetary instruments, family photos, and other necessary items. Plan for you, your family, and your pets as if you are going on a long trip. If you have livestock, such as horses, cows, etc. Please start connecting with your neighbors or community resources to plan for evacuation for them, if a plan is not already known. Fires can spread really fast and waiting can put you, your family, and pets/livestock in grave danger. HEED ALL WARNINGS AND ORDERS.

CLOSURES

  • US-26 at MP 49
  • US-26, east intersection with Nehalem Hwy OR-47

TRAFFIC ALERTS

  • DETOUR: Eastbound – NW Pihl Road to NW Sell Road back to US-26
  • DETOUR: Westbound – Hwy 6 to Hwy 47 back to US-26

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

  • Banks Fire District 13 (Lead Agency/PIO)
  • OR Department of Forestry
  • Forest Grove Fire & Rescue
  • Cornelius Fire Department
  • Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
  • Hillsboro Fire & Rescue
  • Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District
  • OR Department of Transportation (ODOT)
  • Washington County Sheriff’s Office
  • Metro West Ambulance-Hillsboro

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