PORTLAND, Ore. — Evacuation levels for Mill City and Gates have been lowered to Level 2 (Be Set), reopening roads to the area and allowing residents to return to their homes.
The two communities were initially placed under a Level 3 evacuation order because of the Beachie Creek Fire, which has burned more than 190,000 acres in Marion County.
According to a release from the Marion County Sheriff's office, people were allowed to return as of 10 a.m. Friday. The four-mile section of Highway 22 between the two cities will be open for travel but residents should be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
The remainder of Highway 22 will remain closed between Highway 226 and milepost 29 near the west end of Mill City.
People returning to their residences and businesses will need to use the following route:
- Highway 22 east to Highway 226
- Highway 226 turns into Lyons/Mill City Drive
- Lyons/Mill City Drive to Southwest Kingwood Avenue
- Kingwood Avenue to Gates School Road
- Gates School Road to East Sorbin Avenue
- East Sorbin Avenue to Highway 22
Areas north of Mill City and Gates remain at Level 3 "Go" evacuation status.
The following roads are closed:
- Carr Road
- Hudel Road
- Gates Hill Road north of the city limits
The current evacuations areas as of 10 a.m. Friday:
- Detroit
- Idanha
- Breitenbush
- Highway 22
- Highway 226 east to milepost 29 including North Fork Road, Pioneer Road and other roads in this corridor
Level 2 "Be Set" areas:
- Lyons
- Mehama
- Mill City
- Gates
- Fernridge Road, west of Shellburg Creek Road to Basil Hill
- Crooked Finger Road
- Moss Lane
Level 1 "Ready" areas:
- Scotts Mills
- Areas east of Meridian Road
- Davis Creek
- Victor Point south to the Marion County line