THUNDERSTORM IGNITES GRASS FIRE; RESOURCES FROM AROUND THE AREA RESPOND

Firefighters from around the area have responded to a fire on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla (CTUIR).  The Table Rock Fire is currently estimated at 400 acres.  It is located approximately 8 miles Northeast of Pilot Rock.  The fire was ignited by a thunderstorm on Thursday evening.  Burning in mostly grass and brush, fire managers are hopeful that the fire will be contained during the night.  
 

Suppression efforts are being led by ODF. Firefighters from Helix Rural Fire Department, Echo Rural Fire Department, Stanfield Rural Fire Department, Pendleton Fire Department, Pilot Rock Rural Fire Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, CTUIR Tribal Fire, and Umatilla National Forest have provided engines and firefighters to assist. 16 engines and one hand crew are currently on scene.  In addition, there is a contract dozer and an ODF dozer on scene assisting with lining the blaze.  

The near-term weather report calls for more showers and thunderstorms, although red flag warnings have subsided.  The public is reminded that ODF is currently in Regulated Use Closure in Northeast Oregon.  Fire managers recommend that recreationists check the fire regulations before heading out to enjoy the forest. 

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information on ODF Restrictions.

         La Grande Unit              (541)963-3168

         Baker City Sub-Unit      (541)523-5831

         Wallowa Unit                (541) 886-2881

         Pendleton Unit               (541)276-3491

Please check with your local National Forest for public use restrictions on National Forest land. You can visit the Umatilla NF website at www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla  or the Wallowa-Whitman NF at www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman or contact them by phone at Umatilla 541-278-3716; Wallowa-Whitman 541-523-6391.

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains. 

To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.