Left: Air and ground resources have been heavily engaged in ODF’s Northeast Oregon District in the wake of passing thunderstorms. Firefighters have responded to more than a score of wildfires in the past day and a half.
LA GRANDE, Ore.
– Firefighting resources from ODF’s Northeast Oregon
District responded to 21 fires across the district yesterday,
following thunderstorms Sunday night and Monday morning. Most of the
fires were ¼ acre or smaller.
- Calamity Fire, located approximately
11 miles east of Pilot Rock, is burning in grass, shrubs and timber. The
fire has burned 79 acres. As of this afternoon, the fire is 80% contained.
Crews worked overnight and through the day on improving control lines and
mopping up.
- Beaver Creek Fire, located approximately
12 miles west of La Grande, is approximately 75 acres. The fire is burning
in grass and timber on steep terrain. Helicopters and ground resources
have responded to incident. The fire is 0% contained at this time.
- Hardy Fire, located approximately 7
miles north of Elgin, is approximately ½ acre and is burning in grass and
timber. Helicopters and ground resources are on scene. This fire is 0%
contained at this time.
Heavy smoke from
fires outside the area have been hampering fire detection efforts. Fire
managers ask the public to be vigilant as they are traveling through the
region. Additional thunderstorm activity is forecast through Wednesday
afternoon. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels over the next few
days.
fires outside the area have been hampering fire detection efforts. Fire
managers ask the public to be vigilant as they are traveling through the
region. Additional thunderstorm activity is forecast through Wednesday
afternoon. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels over the next few
days.
The public is reminded that ODF’s Northeast Oregon District has implemented additional public use restrictions intended to reduce human caused wildfires. The Regulated Use Closure prohibits open burning, non-industrial chainsaw use, mowing and cutting of dry grass, and welding and cutting of metal. Other activities included in the restriction can be found at http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml. Fire conditions are EXTREME throughout the region. Please use caution to help prevent forest fires.