Update: Silver Creek Fire smoldered for weeks before igniting, 65 percent contained

Olivia Heersink and Bill Poehler | Statesman Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Silver Falls State Park fire prompts YMCA camp evacuation A small fire inside Silver Falls State Park has prompted the closure of several backcountry trails and the evacuation of a YMCA summer camp.

Updated July 18, 4 p.m.:

Firefighters now estimate the Silver Creek Fire is 65 percent contained. No additional acres have been burned, and the perimeter is still 100 percent lined.

The 27-acre blaze was caused by a lightning storm, which most likely passed over the area June 18, and smoldered for several weeks before igniting last week.

Officials said embers can remain hidden within trees or thick duff for several weeks, producing no visible smoke prior to combustion.

"The Silver Creek Fire demonstrates how changing weather and fuel conditions impact fire behavior," officials said in a news release. "As we move into the hottest and driest part of the year, fire danger increases significantly."

Approximately 115 firefighters are still working to control the blaze.

The 214 Trailhead and several backcountry trails are still closed, as are the YMCA's Camp Silver Creek, Howard Creek horse camp and day-use area.The ranches have been reopened.

Scheduled events will not be interrupted. Light smoke may be visible at times, officials said.

Updated July 17, 12:45 p.m.:

The Silver Creek Fire is now 55 percent contained, officials estimate. No additional acres have been burned, and the perimeter is now 100 percent lined.

Investigators have determined the 27-acre blaze was caused by a lightning storm, which most likely passed over the area June 18 and smoldered for several weeks before escalating last week due to high temperatures, wind and relatively low humidity.

The 214 Trailhead and several backcountry trails remain closed, as do the YMCA's Camp Silver Creek, Howard Creek horse camp and day-use area. The ranches have been reopened. Scheduled events will not be interrupted.

Updated July 16, 1 p.m.:

Firefighters now estimate containment of the Silver Creek Fire at 35 percent. No additional acres have been burned and 75 percent of the perimeter has been lined.

The 214 Trailhead and several backcountry trails remain closed, as do the Howard Creek horse camp and day-use area, YMCA's Camp Silver Creek and ranches.

The fire is still under investigation.

Original story, July 15:

The Silver Creek Fire covered 27 acres in the southeast corner of Silver Falls State Park on Sunday as firefighters increased their estimated containment to 25 percent.

Bobbi Doan, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said the increased estimate in the fire's size from 19 acres of Saturday was due to improved mapping of the blaze.

Doan said thick underbrush and steep terrain have made fighting the fire difficult for responders.

“I know it’s hard for folks when they’re not there to see it,” Doan said. “This terrain is no joke.”

There are approximately 125 personnel and three helicopters engaged in fighting the fire.

Smoke was first spotted in the area of the fire on Thursday.

The 214 Trailhead and several backcountry trails are closed, as are the Howard Creek horse camp and day-use area, YMCA's Camp Silver Creek and ranches.

MORE:More than 100 firefighters battling wildfire at Silver Falls State Park

The creek and ranches are being used as command posts.

Much of the 9,200-acre park has not been impacted by the fire, and operations are normal, including at the Silver Falls Lodge & Conference Center and the North Falls camp.

Doan said there was a wedding reception held at the park on Saturday.

“If that doesn’t convey the message of life goes on, I don’t know what does,” Doan said.

bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com or Twitter.com/bpoehler