The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has taken action against the emerging Priceboro Fire near Harrisburg, OR, by deploying two task forces to Linn County. Harrisburg Fire and Rescue, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry, are jointly leading the firefighting efforts, currently underway at the scene.
The fire ignited at approximately 4 pm on August 4th and has already spread across an estimated 100 acres. As the fire continues to grow rapidly, the OSFM has additional resources on standby, ready to provide further support as required. The severity of the situation has led to Level 3 evacuation notices issued by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, urging residents to prioritize their safety.
Visible from Interstate 5, the Priceboro Fire has not yet necessitated any highway closures. However, those planning to travel through the area are advised to stay informed about road conditions at http://www.tripcheck.com and exercise caution.
Weather conditions in the region are posing additional challenges to containment efforts, with hot and dry conditions forecasted, along with the potential for lightning in some parts of the state. The OSFM warns that these conditions elevate the risk of wildfires and urges the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid igniting dangerous blazes.
In response to such emergencies, the OSFM relies on its Immediate Response tool, a critical component of the Response Ready Oregon initiative. This initiative was established through Oregon’s wildfire omnibus bill, Senate Bill 762, which became law in 2021, enabling the OSFM to efficiently dispatch additional firefighters and equipment to areas outside of conflagrations.
As the Priceboro Fire continues to pose a threat to the region, the unified command of Harrisburg Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry will continue in their efforts to combat the wildfire and protect communities in Linn County.
Medford Alert will continue to monitor this wildfire and provide updates as they become available.
You can track this fire through our 2023 Wildfire Season partner’s Wildfire Aware app.
Source: OSFM
