Highway 242 closure continues near Foley Ridge Fire; Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices issued in Lane County
KTVZ
McKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 350 firefighters continued Tuesday to battle the 437-acre Foley Ridge Fire on the Willamette National Forest east of McKenzie Bridge. A 21-mile stretch of Highway 242 remained closed and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 2 (BE SET) evacuation alerts in the area.
Here is Tuesday’s daily update from fire officials:
Start Date: 09/06/2025
Percent Containment: 0%
Size: 437 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 353
Full suppression efforts continue on the southern and eastern flanks of the Foley Ridge Fire. Firefighters are actively engaged in securing the perimeter. Crews are patrolling and extinguishing hot spots along direct portions of handline and dozer line.
Increased activity was seen on the Western flank yesterday afternoon, crews were able to reinforce containment lines and secure the fires edge. Crews are still scouting and looking for any viable options for direct attack on the west flank of the fire.
On Highway 242, heavy equipment is conducting chipping operations, while engine crews lay hose to support containment. Due to these activities – and reduced visibility – a road closure is in effect from the Highway 126 junction to milepost 76.
Meanwhile, four helicopters are providing aerial support, performing water drops to cool the fire’s edge and slow its spread.
Strategic firing operations are taking place in small portions on the southern flank. These operations aim to eliminate ground fuels and create a buffer zone. This strategy employs a lower-intensity fire that can help secure the perimeter in terrain too hazardous for direct engagement.
Evacuations- Lane County Sheriff has issued Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notices for HWY 242, Yale Camp, White Branch Youth Camp, Alder Spring Campground, Scott Lake Campground, and private residences off HWY 242. For more information on evacuation status, please visit: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3293a4e0f6c1432f9d5b4e27380609fa/page/Wildfire-Evacuations
Closures – Road closures include Foley Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 2643). Closed recreation sites include Rainbow Falls Trailhead and Separation Lake Trailhead. Foley Ridge Trailhead will be inaccessible due to the closure. For the complete Foley Ridge Fire closure order, including a map, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/alerts/foley-ridge-fire-closure-order.
Weather- Mostly sunny skies are forecast for the remainder of the week. Temperatures are consistent and a slight increase in relative humidity is expected. Winds will be light 3-5 mph, with potential gusts up to 15 mph.
McKenzie River Highway (HWY 242)- HWY 242 is closed until further notice from HWY 126 intersection to MP 76. Please use an alternate route and expect delays. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s webpage for additional information https://tripcheck.com
For more information, visit the incident website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-foley-ridge-fire.