Brush Fire on Wiseman/Miller Island Still Burning

A Fish and Wildlife biologist at the scene says the fire jumped to another small island within the menagerie of pockets of land that are encompassed by the North Santiam River.

Calmer today, officials are still monitoring the fire Photos: Elaine Parrott/Jefferson Fire

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - The fire on Wiseman/Miller Island east of Jefferson continues to burn today, but fire officials say it is is not as intense as it was yesterday when the fire doubled in size.

"The fire is causing smoke in the Jefferson/Marion area, but at the present time the fire does not appear to be threatening any private property," Fire Spokesperson Elaine Parrott said.

However, the public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 in the event conditions change, according to Assistant Chief Scott Shepherd.

"With cooler weather and possible moisture headed for the valley, the fire may die out." Shepard says fire personnel from the Jefferson Fire District continue to monitor the situation to ensure the fire stays within its natural fire break boundaries.

"The fire did jump to another small island within the menagerie of pockets of land that are encompassed by the North Santiam River," Rick Boatner, a biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

"But the fire is creeping along and headed for very green vegetation, he added."

Rick Boatner, biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, walks over the scorched ground of the island fire

Parrott says Mr. Boatner accessed the island today to further assess the situation where the fire has burned through on land owned by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The fire on the island was reported Saturday night and has been burning since.

Firefighters have not attempted to extinguish the fire due to the lack of access of getting equipment to the area of the fire.

The fire is burning blackberries, scotch broom, and other invasive non-native plants.

There are no injuries reported and with the cause not yet determined.

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