Fire News – August 26, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. PDT
Contact: Angie Johnson, Oregon Department of Forestry, (541) 620-4360
Picnic Creek Fire – Final News Release
Date Started: 8/26/2010 at 5:21 p.m. PDT
Cause of Ignition: Human (State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating cause)
Location: 8 miles west of Mt. Vernon, south of Hwy 26
Approximate Size: 20-30 acres
Percent Contained: 0%; containment expected late this evening.
Resources include: 5 engines from Oregon Department of Forestry, 1 engine from US Forest Service, and all of Mt. Vernon Rural Protection District; 1 Tender from Oregon Department of Forestry; 2 Dozers; 1 Helicopter (ODF) secured by Mt. Vernon Rural; Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation also contributed to the effort.
Protection Agency Responsible: Mt. Vernon Rural Protection District.
Additional information: Oregon Department of Forestry and US Forest Service assisted Mt. Vernon Rural Protection District with a fire in their district located in the Picnic Creek drainage, 8 miles west of Mt. Vernon. High winds pushed the fire near the vicinity of 20 structures; one confirmed outbuilding, possibly two outbuildings were destroyed. The use of engines, dozers, and a helicopter has prevented any significant fire spread at this time. Winds have died down considerably, giving crews the upper hand. Crews hope to have the fire lined later this evening. The fire is under investigation by Oregon State Fire Marshall’s office.
Weather: With nightfall, the temperature has dropped nearly 30 degrees on the fire line. Currently it is 66 degrees. Winds have died down and relative humidity has increased.
Closures: At this time, there are no closures in place.
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Jeri Chase
Oregon Department of Forestry
PH: 503-945-7201
Fire Duty Officer Pager #: 503-370-0403