The evacuation order for residents on the outskirts of Salem, Oregon, has been lifted as the threat from a wildfire has been contained, according to authorities from the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s office. They confirmed that the fire was contained at around 7:15 PM on Thursday. Fire patrols will still be present in the area to monitor the situation throughout the evening and on Friday. The evacuation order had been issued on Wednesday, with the Marion County Sheriff urging residents to leave immediately due to the unsafe conditions.
The Marion County Sheriff’s office had posted on social media site X (formerly known as Twitter) urging people to evacuate without delay as staying posed a threat to their safety. Deputies had gone door to door to warn residents and the Oregon State Fire Marshall had mobilized firefighting resources including fixed-wing tankers, an air attack platform, and a helicopter. The fire had already burned at least 10 acres and was located south of the city limits, near the interface between populated areas and green space.
Salem, which is located about 50 miles south of Portland, is home to approximately 180,000 people. The city had been facing the immediate threat of the Liberty Fire, but now residents can return to their homes with the evacuation order lifted. The fire department and sheriff’s office will continue to monitor the area to ensure the safety of residents.
