Update: September 28, 2022
Conditions are improving for the Vitae Springs Road Fire. It remains 100% contained. The addition of measurable rain today should help conditions and keep any remaining embers from restarting. The weather forecast indicates our next chance for rain is later next week. Salem Fire continues to manage the burned area. Remember, dialing 911 for reports of smoke are unnecessary at this time, and to only call the emergency number if active signs of fire are visible.
Update: September 21, 2022
The Vitae Springs Fire remains 100% contained. Please remember to only call 911 if you see an active fire. Smoke will continue for several weeks and Salem Fire will continue daily patrols of the burn area. There is no need to call 911 to report lingering smoke.
The Vitae Springs Fire began late in the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 9. There have been no reported injuries or structures lost. The fire, located within the Salem Suburban Rural Fire Protection District, burned approximately 164 acres.
Update: September 19, 2022
The Vitae Springs Fire that began late in the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 9, remains 100% contained.
The burn area is being no longer being patrolled, but will have daily spot checks by on duty crews. Residents in the area should be aware that smoke sightings are to continue for several weeks. Only Call 911 only if you see flames or signs of an active fire.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the response to the Vitae Springs Rd fire, contact salemalert@cityofsalem.net.
Update: September 17, 2022
The Vitae Springs Fire that began late in the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 9, remains 100% contained.
The burn area is being patrolled by two Salem Fire Department Brush Vehicles. Due to the size of the affected area, small areas of smoldering vegetation are being located and stamped out.
Residents in the area should be aware that smoke sightings are expected to continue for several weeks. Call 911 only if you see flames or signs of an active fire. If you have questions or concerns regarding the response to the Vitae Springs Rd fire, contact salemalert@cityofsalem.net.
Update: September 15, 2022
The Vitae Springs Fire that began late in the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 9, is currently 100% contained. There have been no reported injuries or structures lost. The fire, located within the Salem Suburban Rural Fire Protection District, burned approximately 164 acres in the largely rural area south of Vitae Springs Rd S and west of Skyline Rd S, which is behind the containment lines established by fire crews over the past 7 days. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Messaging and updates will transition from Marion County Sheriff's Office to the City of Salem this evening. The City of Salem will continue to a patrol the fire area for at least the next three days and respond to any detectable areas of concern remaining in the area.
The response to the 4-alarm fire required more than 300 firefighters over the last 6 days. Salem Fire Department and local hand crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry have been working 24-hours a day in response to the threat posed by the fire.
We would like to thank the many responding agencies for their help in protecting the lives, property, and livestock threated by the fire.
Residents in the area should be aware that smoke sightings are expected to continue for several weeks or until the rainy season begins this fall. If you see flames or signs of an active fire at any time, please call 911. If you have questions or concerns regarding the response to the Vitae Springs Rd fire, contact salemalert@cityofsalem.net.
