MADRAS, OR -- Evacuations remain west of Madras and Metolius for the Elk Lane Fire. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says area closures are for the safety of the public and fire personnel, and residents are asked to only return if they need to get animals or medication. Click HERE for the latest evacuation map. 

Around 300 personnel are now working the incident, including eight task forces from seven counties. The fire is estimated at 5,240 acres and 0% contained, based on more accurately mapping conducted overnight Tuesday. Crews are focused Wednesday on keeping the fire south of Willow Creek, and from spreading any further east toward Madras. 

It's already burned in the vicinity of Belmont Lane and Elk Drives, and into the Deschutes River and Willow Creek Canyons.

The Elk Lane Fire started August fourth from lightning. A Type3 unified command took over management of the fire the following day, after the Governor invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to help pay for battling the wildfire, because it threatens homoes, fishing streams and spawning sites, irrigation and cultural resources. This isthe ninth such FEMA grant provided to Oregon this fire season.

A virtual public meeting is planned for Wednesday at 5 p.m., on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. 

Photo of the Elk Lane Fire courtesy of the Central Oregon Fire Management Service.