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SAGINAW — A vegetation fire between Cottage Grove and Creswell is shutting down the northbound off-ramp for Saginaw while multiple battalions work to contain the five-acre fire. A Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy at the scene said that the cause of the fire is unknown, noting the cause could’ve been anything from a dragging chain to a faulty catalytic converter.
According to FireWatch, at approximately 1:53 p.m., the fire started as a vegetation fire with moderate flames on the east side of I-5, between the highway and the Saginaw northbound on-ramp. It then spread into trees, between the highway and Sears Rd. as reported by the first-arriving unit. A slight wind from the north was pushing towards the south. Additional water tenders were requested.
The fire progression had been stopped to the north and south, and was estimated to be about 5 acres. Resources were then focused on the east side of the fire, including a spot fire east of Sears Road.
At 2:45 p.m., the fire was listed as “under control” by emergency personnel. At 3:18 p.m., Oregon Department of Transportation reopened the northbound off-ramp, but are still diverting people over the E. Saginaw Rd. bridge.
Emerald People’s Utility was on scene and reported that power had been de-energized for approximately 75 customers in the Saginaw area. The power was restored at about 3:40 p.m.
According to the emergency call logs, South Lane Fire, Pleasant Hill Fire, and Row River Fire are assisting this call. Mohawk Valley District was also on scene.
