'We need immediacy': Town in Santiam Canyon struggles to survive months after Beachie Creek Fire In wiping out half the homes in Gates, the mayor said the Beachie Creek Fire erased almost half its revenue, which was small to begin with. Author: Morgan Romero Updated: 7:32 PM PST January 22, 2021 GATES, Ore. — Four and a half months after flames tore through the Santiam Canyon, the town of Gates is sending out an urgent plea for help. The Beachie Creek Fire devastated Gates, wiping out half of what was there. People are dealing with more devastation as the recovery process drags on and the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly.