McKenzie Track A Rallying Point For Evacuees Of Rampaging Fire

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Less than two months after serving as a safe harbor for track and field athletes during a pandemic, the McKenzie Community Track offered a safe space for members of an evacuated community amidst an out of control forest fire on Sept. 8. 

(Photos by Sarah Hunter)

According to information on the Blue River Bulletin Board page on Facebook, the track was defended from the fire for evacuees who couldn't get out of the McKenzie River canyon after a Level 3 "Go Now" order was placed. One message indicated that a burning log blocked Highway 126 heading east, forcing people to use the track, and its open space, as a safety zone.

Overnight, the track was surrounded by the nearby threat of fire that damaged the towns of Finn Rock, Vida and Blue River, all located in the Willamette National Forest. Loss of life was expected to be confirmed as nearly 100 homes were lost. 

The evacuees eventually were able to convoy to safety after a piece of equipment cleared the way.

On July 17, it was a much different scene near the McKenzie River as world-class atheltes were given a rare opportunity to compete in the midst of a pandemic. Big Friendly 2, put on by Portland Track, consisted of seven races and concluded with a mixed 2x2x400 relay that included Craig Engels, Donavan Brazier, Nijel Amos, Konstance Klosterhalfen, Chanelle Price and Raevyn Rogers. 

Shannon Rowbury ran 8:40.26 on the track, good for No. 8 in the world this year. 

Josh Kerr and Nia Akins of Brooks won races. 

"Portland Track and Tracklandia had the honor of working closely with the McKenzie River track community earlier this summer as we were navigating the COVID-19 situation, to create a safe and inspiring event for athletes and coaches alike," Portland Track President Michael Bergmann said. "Our hearts go out to the people who live in that beautiful community and we hope and pray for their safety. We look to do whatever we can, from Portland Track and Tracklandia, to support them during this ravaging wildfire disaster."

The track was years in the making and when it opened in 2010 it had a Field of Dreams quality to it, thanks in large part to the effort of former McKenzie High track coach Jeff Sherman. 

Sherman was one of many in the area who was able to heed the evacuation warning and move east, to Sisters.

Fueled by high winds, Oregon experienced a rare and extreme fire event that began Monday as smaller forest fires in the Cascades blew up and swept into river valleys -- the McKenzie east of Eugene and the Santiam east of Salem. By Monday evening, and throughout Tuesday, most of Western Oregon is covered in smoke.

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