Evacuation order lifted for wildfire near Salem, Oregon

[August 24, 2023]  (Reuters) -The evacuation order for people living on the outskirts of the U.S. city of Salem due to the threat from a wildfire was lifted on Thursday.  

"At approximately 7:15 PM, air crews were able to contain the fire," authorities from the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s office said in a joint statement.

The Liberty Fire, which prompted immediate evacuations, burns near Jory Hill Road and Liberty Road South in Salem, Oregon, U.S. August 23, 2023. Abigail Dollins/USA Today Network via REUTERS

"We have received an update the evacuation notice has been lifted and residents are able to return home," they said, adding fire patrols would remain in the area throughout the evening and Friday monitoring the terrain.

On Wednesday, the Marion County Sheriff posted on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter: "GO NOW - Evacuate immediately!" and "Leave without delay. It is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family."

Deputies were going door to door to warn people of the fire and the Oregon State Fire Marshall was helping fight the fire by mobilizing fixed-wing tankers, an air attack platform and a helicopter.

The fire had burned at least 10 acres (4 hectares), the Statesman Journal reported on Wednesday, citing the state fire marshal.

Salem is a city 180,000 people about 50 miles (80 km) south of Portland in the northwestern U.S. state of Oregon.

The fire was south of the city limits, near the interface between densely populated areas and green space.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta and Nilutpal Timsina; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Mark Potter)

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