Williams Creek Fire: 'It's a financial nightmare'
The Williams Creek Fire burning in the forest understory. By Molly Blancett KVAL NewsGLIDE, Ore. -- Bill Blodgett's blue boat is supposed to be roaring through rapids right now, carrying rafters and revenue. MultimediaEach full raft brings in more than $700 to North Umpqua Outfitters. Instead, it's stuck on dry land. Every year thousands of tourists flock to Douglas county and spend tens of thousands of dollars. The Williams Creek Fire could put those profits in jeopardy. The fire is burning east of Glide on federal land. So far the blaze has burned almost 2,000 acres.
On Thursday, a fire official told KVAL News the fire has slowed down and is not threatening any homes or businesses. But business owners along the river say it is threatening the tourism. Blodgett said news of the Williams Creek Fire spread quickly, so people are cancelling their trips. "Oh, it's a financial nightmare," said Blodgett. Further up the river at the Dogwood Motel, it's the same story. "We've had a lot of cancellations," said owner Norm Call. Gary Martin drove here from Reno to fish, but he's cutting his trip short. "I think we planned to stay one more day but the way the situation is, we're going to take out of here tomorrow," said Martin. Both business owners said the summer months are do or die for business. "It carries us through the winter months," said Call. As the fire rages, Blodgett and Call insist the wilderness they rely on is not affected. "We were floating yesterday's trip unaffected," said Blodgett. So while the highway is closed just up the road (below), business owners want you to know: they're still open.
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
