Gibbon Fire Update

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:00 a.m.

Fire Information:  Jamie Knight 541-786-2039

Joani Bosworth 541-278-3722

Steep terrain continues to challenge firefighters on the 100-acre lightning sparked Gibbon Fire.  The fire is burning in brush and timber stringers in the area of Meacham Creek/Stumbough Ridge, about 20 miles east of Pendleton.  The fire originated on Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) fee lands that are protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  ODF is leading the management of this fire in conjunction with the Umatilla National Forest with a Type 3 management organization.  Cooperators also include the Union Pacific Railroad and CTUIR. 

Yesterday crews worked to build direct fire lines where it was safe to do so, and to construct indirect fire line to support burning operations.  Because of the difficult terrain, fire managers feel that burning will bring the fire to areas where it is safer for firefighters to directly engage on the fire.  Two helicopters helped crews on the ground yesterday by slowing fire spread and cooling hotspots, as well as supporting burning operations along the east and north sides. 

Today’s objectives are to continue burning out on the north side of the fire, if weather conditions allow.  Also, continuing to secure the line along the railroad tracks and mopping up that portion of the fire is a priority for fire managers.  The La Grande Interagency Hot Shot Crew, a Type 1 helicopter, a Type 2 helicopter, six engines and a Type 2 hand crew will be working the fire today.  Approximately 51 personnel are assigned to the fire.

While temperatures the past two days has been more moderate and the fire received light rainfall, the return to warmer and dry conditions is expected mid-week, with the potential for more thunderstorms this weekend.

Fire managers would like to remind people that fire restrictions are in place on both ODF protected lands as well as the Umatilla National Forest.  For details on fire restrictions go to www.bmidc.org.

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com is your place for current fire information for Northeast Oregon.

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

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Quick Facts Incident Summary
Approximate Size:	100 acres
Fire Containment:	0%
Incident Commander:	Matt Hoehna Kip Turner
Resources on the Fire:	Hand Crews: 2 Helicopters: 2 Engines: 6
Total Personnel:	51
Jurisdiction:	CTUIR Tribal Lands Oregon Dept. of Forestry Umatilla National Forest