Salem-News.com Detroit articles Page 1

Heavy Rains Limit Access in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area

Crews are working quickly, but it could take weeks.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - Recent storms continue to create hazardous driving conditions on Forest Service roads in the northern section of the Willamette National Forest, particularly in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.

Public safety concerns have prompted forest engineers to issue a temporary closure of Forest Service Road 2207, which accesses several popular recreation sites...

A True Story: The Cry of the Bigfoot

The Bigfoot legend's close proximity to Salem, Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - My wife and I hiked the path toward the creek. We noticed several trees that had been inexplicably snapped off about eight feet above the ground.

Suddenly an otherworldly cry filled the forest around us. It emanated from higher up the Rock Creek canyon, piercing with a strange timbre that was bestial and somehow human...

Detroit Stabbing Ends in Bloody Scene in Local Bar

A bloody night in the normally quiet town of Detroit, Oregon led to a stabbing, arrest, and recovery of a loaded gun in the vehicle of the stabbing victim.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - A reported fight between friends in Detroit, Oregon led to a man entering Cedar's Restaurant and Lounge Friday night shortly after 9:00 p.m., with a serious stab wound to the arm. Dennis Osbourn had just sat down for dinner.

"There was a good amount of blood, and I guess it wasn't that life threatening but it sure looked like it. He dribbled all the way across the street into the bar and against the wall and then there was a puddle."

Fire Update for the Detroit and Sweet Home Ranger Districts

Visitors may continue to experience increased fire traffic on forest roads.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - Firefighters on the Detroit and Sweet Home Ranger Districts are mopping up the remains of 49 fires that were started by lightning on August 17th. A majority of the fires are either out or in patrol status. Crews will continue to monitor the fires for several weeks.

“The Type 3 incident management team that was brought in to manage the lightning complex for our Districts provided an outstanding service by keeping the fires small and minimizing impacts to recreationists and forest resources,” said Grady McMahan, District Ranger for the Detroit Ranger District.

Canal Creek Fire Slows, Weather Increases Hope for Firefighters

Wet weather and the combined aggressive efforts of fire crews on the ground, raise chances of the fire being under control soon.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Canal Creek fire has now been held to 283 acres for a few days and is at 90% containment as of Saturday morning.

Many of the area road closures have now been lifted. The Quartzville Road is now completely open and accessible from Sweet Home to Highway 22.

Firefighters Continue Battling Canal Creek Fire, Now at 200 Acres

Several road closures are in effect due to concerns for public and firefighter safety.

(SWEET HOME, Ore.) - The Canal Creek Fire 8 miles southwest of Detroit, Oregon, has grown to 200 acres, according to fire officials on scene. They say the fire has continued to burn in heavy timber through old-growth stands of Douglas Fir.

Burning snags and spotting are safety concerns for firefighters working in the steep terrain. A Type II incident management team will assume management of the fire at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Helicopters & Air Tankers Battling Canal Creek Fire

The public is urged to stay out of this area so that fire crews can continue to work at containing this fire.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Canal Creek Fire in the Detroit Wilderness area had grown to 90 acres of 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Fire officials say warm temperatures helped the fire advance upslope through heavy timber with long-range spotting.

Helicopters and air tankers were used to drop water and fire retardants along the active fire front, while hand crews began constructing firelines.

Canal Creek Fire at Detroit Prompts Closures and Evacuations

With light winds and warm temperatures today, the fire is expected to push up-slope in this area of heavy timber and old-growth Douglas Fir.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The wildland fire reported at 6:00 pm last night about 8 miles southwest of Detroit has been named the Canal Creek Fire.

As of 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning, it had grown to 45 acres in size. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.

Fire Crews Battle Wildfire Near Detroit

Citizens are asked to remain clear of the affected area so that crews can get in and attack the fire.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A fire was reported in the upper Elk Creek drainage area around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, approximately 8 miles southwest of the town of Detroit, and about 2 miles west of Slate Rock.

The fire was estimated to be 35 acres in size. Fire resources are responding to the location at this time.

Body Found in Detroit Lake Identified as 60-Year Old Idanha Man‏

From all indications it appears the victim suffered from a medical issue and fell into the lake while fishing.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a body in Detroit Lake near the Breitenbush River Friday. Lt. Sheila Lorance says fishermen found the body and immediately called 911.

"When deputies arrived, they were able to remove the body from the lake and it was identified as 60-year old Harold Buckles of Idanha," Lorance said.

According to his family, Mr. Buckles went fishing on June 22nd, 2009, four days earlier, and had not been seen since.