Camp Sherman checks evacuation plans

Sparked by the recent Cache Mountain fire, Camp Sherman residents turned out in record numbers for a fire evacuation update at the Community Hall on Monday, July 29.

Crowd estimates were as high as 200 people attending to hear updates from the various agencies involved in fire fighting, forestry and other areas of expertise.

Camp Sherman contains between 400 and 500 lots for building. About 280 to 300 of these contain residences. There are 108 Forest Service cabins -- many on or near the Metolius River. The land is rented from the Forest Service and the structure owned by the resident.

There are over 100 residences in Metolius Meadows, which has 147 lots. The remaining 80-100 residences are spread out on various Tract Roads or other areas in the forest.

Mark Foster, head of the Hasty Team (Jefferson County) search and rescue group and former deputy sheriff in Camp Sherman, has prepared evacuation plans for this diverse community.

The plan for the recent Cache Mountain fire included three phases, starting with transients and finishing with outlying residences.

"I think the evacuation plan errs on the side of caution," said Kent Gill, Board member with Friends of the Metolius. "If you live out in the forest you expect these things to happen."

Most people are familiar with Road 14 into and out of Camp Sherman from Highway 20/126. Other evacuations routes include Roads 11 (over Green Ridge via Road 1120) and 12 (towards Jack Lake Road over 1216) and other derivative roads.

Jefferson County sheriff's and search and rescue personnel and the U.S. Forest Service have specific tasks in evacuating tract homes and campgrounds, giving directions and manning roadblocks.

Plans from the Cache Mountain fire were posted on the Camp Sherman Community Association website at www.metoliusfriends.org/csca.

Fire evacuation questions may be directed to Hasty Team leader Mark Foster at: [email protected]