Cornet Fire Caused by Lightning Burns 243 Acres

News Release:
Jamie Knight (541)786-0501
August 11, 2015

A lightning storm that came through the area on the afternoon of August 10, has ignited several fires in the Northeast Oregon District. The largest of the fires was the Cornet Fire burning near Hereford, Oregon. This fire has burnt approximately 243 acres. Tough terrain has made firefighting difficult. The fire is burning in grass, brush and juniper on private lands. The fire is 50% contained this morning.

Suppression efforts are being led by ODF, although assistance has come from several of the Baker County Fire Departments. On scene today are a North Powder Rural engine, a Sumpter engine and a Baker Rural tender. There are also three 10 person hand crews from Snake River Correctional Center, one 10 person hand crew from Powder River Correctional Center, two Type 2 contract hand crews with 20 people each, a contract dozer and two contract skidgens on scene.

“This is a good example of the fuel conditions right now. Things are very dry. It’s important that folks that are out and about are paying attention to the restrictions that are in place. We need to prevent the human caused fires that could add to our workload.” Said Steve Meyer, Wildland Fire Supervisor, Baker ODF.

Much of Northeast Oregon is under Red Flag Warning today for thunderstorms with abundant lightning. Highs today are expected to be near 96 degrees with winds from the southeast. 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.
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