Rice Road Fire triggers evacuation warnings in Mapleton

A Thursday afternoon wildfire in Mapleton prompted evacuation orders for some 30 homes and helped usher in what could be a busy fire season throughout Lane County. 

Shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, warning of “imminent danger” from the Rice Road Fire, issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for residents on Rice Road, Hillcrest Road and First Avenue. Under a Level 3 evacuation, residents are urged to leave immediately to ensure their safety.

By Friday morning, however, those evacuation orders had been downgraded to Level 1, “Be Ready.” A Level 1 warning urges residents to be aware of danger in their area and to monitor emergency service websites and local news for information.

Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District were dispatched to the blaze, burning near the junction of Oregon highways 126 and 36. A helicopter was scooping water from the nearby Siuslaw River and dropping it on the fire, which was burning on private property.

Firefighters from the Coos Forest Protective Association, the U.S. Forest Service and several rural fire districts also responded.

The fire was estimated at about 4.6 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. No information was available Thursday evening as to when the fire might be contained. There were no reports of injuries or damage to structures. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Julie Doran-Lee was closing up her coffee shop in Mapleton Thursday when a neighbor knocked frantically at her door.

“It was super-stressful,” Doran-Lee said. “Embers were going everywhere.”

Doran-Lee and others started spraying water from a hose onto the roof. The small business strip that includes Doran-Lee’s business, Mimi’s Cafe, is a core of Mapleton and also includes the Riverview Market and Frank’s Place.

Once the businesses were doused, Doran-Lee rushed home to get her two dogs and belongings in case of an evacuation and returned back to her cafe. She opened her doors to first responders and community members who needed a bathroom. But she had to offer those accommodations in the dark, because the power was out.

Doran-Lee lives on the north side of town, which was not evacuated.

Oregon Highway 126 was closed at the junction with Highway 36, the Oregon Department of Transportation said, but the highway was open as of Friday morning.

Word of the fire spread quickly in the area.

“We’re evacuating our tenants and we’ve just lost power, so we’re in an emergency situation right now,” said Pam Sievers, with the Maple Lane RV Park & Marina, 10730 Highway 126. She said the RV park had 28 spaces filled.

The Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene said on Facebook that it will temporarily shelter domestic animals for people who are evacuating and cannot shelter with their pets located in a Level 2 or Level 3 evacuation zone. Pet owners needing assistance are asked to call ahead at 541-689-1503. Greenhill said it will be taking lost and found reports and reuniting animals with owners as needed. It also has animal resources available to anyone who may need them.