Millions of fish have been saved at fish hatcheries in Oregon despite unprecedented wildfires and evacuations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said Wednesday.
Six ODFW-managed facilities were affected, including two locally – Rock Creek and Leaburg.
Leaburg Hatchery
No lives were lost, and officials said staff are returning to some facilities to help spawn spring Chinook during a critical time in their life cycle.
Some critical infrastructure has been destroyed and some fish were lost, with Rock Creek Hatchery on the North Umpqua River sustaining the most severe damage.
All buildings at Rock Creek except for the Rock Ed Education Center were destroyed or severely damaged by the Archie Creek Fire. This includes employee housing as well. Staff access has been limited due to a number of hazards around the site such as downed trees and power lines.