Two homes and other property was destroyed in a fire that broke out Tuesday night at the intersection of Highway 213 and South Spangler, The Canby Current has found.
The fire — the geographically closest one to Canby city limits so far — was contained as of early Wednesday morning. Highway 213 — which was closed for hours as crews from Clackamas Fire and other agencies fought the blaze, high winds and at least one explosion — was open by 5 a.m.
Carus Elementary School, located nearby, was not damaged. Principal Sam Thompson was on site Wednesday morning. The first day of school was canceled districtwide again because of the ongoing crisis.
Carus-area residents on Spangler, Casto and Carus roads — and reportedly as far south as Central Point and Township — were advised to evacuate Tuesday.
The blaze started when an RV pulling a Jeep south on Highway 213 started emitting sparks and caught fire.
The driver, Joe Fickel, told FOX 12 that he was heading to meet up with his wife in Salem when he saw the sparks and pulled over.
Eyewitnesses at the scene told the Current they saw the RV pulling the flaming Jeep down the highway before it came to a stop.
The RV and Jeep were completely destroyed and, sadly, the Fickels’ 11-year-old dog died in the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Deputies notified nearby residents and reverse 911 was activated for Spangler and Union Hall. Clackamas Fire reported that 10 acres of brush burned, along with the two homes.
