Jackson County Issues State of Emergency After Butte Bridge Fire

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The Jackson County commissioners intend to declare a state of emergency to release county funds to repair a bridge damaged by a fire that broke out in the Butte Falls area last week.

Bridge Over Big Butte Creek Damaged By Fire

Extensive damages were caused to bridge number 265 over the North Fork of Big Butte Creek on Fredenburg Road last Thursday. Initial estimates indicate that repairs could cost over $1 million.

While decisions on repair work are being made, Commissioner Rick Dyer said the main priority is to make the area passable for residents and emergency services.

Dyer said this is not something they have seen before and declaring a state of emergency is a serious situation. He said the commissioners have established the power to do so. On Tuesday morning, an order was passed allocating county funds to repair the non-county bridge but a dollar amount was not specified.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s office is investigating and although the cause of the fire is unknown, have asked anyone with information to contact them. The bridge is currently closed and a temporary detour is in place.