Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders issued for entire Cherry Grove community as crews battle brush fire near Hagg Lake

Firefighters are battling a brush fire near Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County, authorities said.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are in place Thursday evening for areas adjacent to the Lee Falls Fire near Henry Hagg Lake in Washington County, including the entire community of Cherry Grove, authorities said.

As of just before 6 p.m., Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders have been issued for the city of Cherry Grove as well as Washington County residents between Southwest Oak and Southwest Nixon, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, other areas that were previously listed as a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation that are now Level 3 "Go Now" include the regions west of Lee Road and south of Southwest Sain Creek Road. Residents can use the Oregon Department of Emergency Management map link to look up the most recent evacuation orders by looking up the official name of the fire, "Lee Falls."

Meanwhile, Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation orders have been issued for the area for north of Southwest Sain Creek Road to Southwest Scoggins Valley Road to Southwest Stepien Road.

The fire, which started around 11 a.m. on Thursday before growing and heading uphill, is currently burning brush, grasses and some trees, but several homes could be in jeopardy, authorities said.

According to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, the fire is estimated to be at least 100 acres and 0% contained, as of the late afternoon.

About 40 crews are on the scene to work fire lines and to protect nearby structures, authorities said.

Stefan Meyers, a spokesperson for the Gaston Rural Fire Protection District, told KOIN 6 News the fire likely sparked near a road and quickly grew from there, with agencies from all over the region moving in to help.

"Fire agencies from all over Washington County rally quickly for mutual aid to support the area and fire response and at the same time they were doing two things. One was to work around the flanks of the fire to try and get control of it, while also protecting some of the structures that are in this area," Meyers said.

The swift wind changes combined with mixed brush made for a challenging situation for firefighters as the inferno eventually jumped across the Tualatin River, sparking additional acreage, he said.

Additionally, Meyers said three people — including two firefighters — were hurt during the fire. However, none of the injuries were serious.

The Lee Falls Fire has already displaced several families. People who live near Hagg Lake are on high alert, prepared to evacuate if needed. Several neighbors told KOIN 6 they spent the night taking precautions and packing essentials.

Resident Steven Guzman advised others who live in the area, "don't take anything you don't need, take the essentials and get gone."

Lee Jeffries, a Cherry Grove resident, agreed, "get ready, if it comes this way then we need to get out of here, be prepared."

Read More: Pacific Northwest Wildfires

The Washington County Sheriff's Office said displaced community members can go to the Knights of Pythias Gaston Lodge on 210 Front St next to the Gaston Market. The Washington County Fairgrounds will also be open Thursday night to accept displaced horses and livestock.

The artificial Hagg Lake usually used for recreation has been temporarily closed to the public, the Washington County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday afternoon.

The lake's closure is in part "so aircraft can assist with fighting a fire," the sheriff's office said. They added that staff members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Washington County Parks were both on-site at the lake to assist recreational visitors.

"We need to be real thankful for all the professionals that are up there now," said Dan Hinkle, a lake visitor.

Just last month, the Oregon Department of Forestry conducted training at Hagg Lake for firefighters using planes to air-drop water.