The westernmost portion of the Eagle Creek Fire, at least, appears to be under control.
The Multnomah Count Sheriff's Office announced today that it was knocking back all Level 3 evacuation orders—that is, orders for people to actually leave their homes—down to Level 2 orders, meaning people need to be ready to flee at a moment's notices.
That means residents of Dodson, Warrendale, Bridal Veil, and other residential communities in the Columbia River Gorge can begin to make their way home—after they've obtained credentials from officials to do so. From the announcement:
All residents moving from a Level 3 evacuation to a Level 2 evacuation, are asked to visit the Re-Entry Center established at:
Corbett Community Church
34309 NE Mershon Road, Corbett ORPlease be sure to bring identification to receive credentials and instructions on returning to your neighborhood. The Center will be open Friday from noon to midnight, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm.
"On behalf of Sheriff Mike Reese and the entire agency," the noitice says, "thank you for your patience, and welcome home."
The announcement applies only to Multnomah County communities, the sheriff's office says. Not clear on which evacuation applies to your address? Plug it in on this mapping tool to find out.
As of the latest update, the fire spans 41,550 acres. But it's now also 28 percent contained, with rains on the way this weekend.
Hit the jump for the full announcement from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
After consultation with fire officials, it has been determined that the west end of the Eagle Creek Fire lines have been secured to a point which allows additional changes to evacuation levels.
MCSO would like to acknowledge the dedicated work of fire crews who built these lines to protect our community.
As of 12:00 noon today, September 15, MCSO is downgrading all Level 3 evacuation orders to Level 2 evacuation orders.
Please understand that a Level 2 notice means you still need to be set to leave at any time, in the event the fire behavior changes.
All residents moving from a Level 3 evacuation to a Level 2 evacuation, are asked to visit the Re-Entry Center established at:
Corbett Community Church
34309 NE Mershon Road, Corbett OR
Please be sure to bring identification to receive credentials and instructions on returning to your neighborhood. The Center will be open Friday from noon to midnight, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm.We'd like to remind all residents that only household pets should return with their owners, and that large livestock and horses remain out of these areas until evacuation orders are lifted.
Questions regarding evacuations in Multnomah County can be directed to 211.
You can find an interactive map of the evacuation areas at multco.usIf you are a resident of Hood River County, please continue to monitor updates from the Hood River County Sheriff's Office.
On behalf of Sheriff Mike Reese and the entire agency, thank you for your patience, and welcome home.