Warm and Windy Weather Doesn't Help Firefighters on the Phillips Creek Fire

Firefighters responded to the Phillips Creek Fire burning approximately 7 miles northwest of Elgin Saturday afternoon.  The fire is burning in timber and grass on the Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District.

At last sizeup, the fire was burning about 30 acres and there were primary structures threatened.  Hot and windy conditions were contributing to the fire behavior which included spotting at distances of 200-300 yards from the main fire.

Interagency resources responded to the scene including Air Attack, two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter, two Heavy Air Tankers, four Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT), three Type 2 Initial Attack crews, a strike team of engines and multiple overhead resources.  A local Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will take over command of the fire Sunday.

The short term weather forecast for more hot and breeze weather with a chance of thunderstorms.  The public is reminded that public use restrictions are still in effect.  Check with your local Forest Service Ranger District or Oregon Department of Forestry office for additional information, or check www.bmidc.org for current regulations.