Gibbon Fire Update

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 10:00 a.m. Fire Information:  Jamie Knight 541-786-2039 Joani Bosworth 541-278-3722   Despite the difficulties of fighting fire in rugged terrain, firefighters made good headway on the Gibbon Fire yesterday.  The lightning caused fire is burning in brush and timber near Meacham Creek/Stumbough Ridge, 20 miles east of Pendleton.  The 194-acre fire has burned approximately 80 acres of CTUIR tribal fee lands that are protected by ODF.  The remaining 114 acres are on Umatilla National Forest lands.   Crews were unable to conduct burning operations yesterday because of cool, wet weather conditions on the fire.  Footing and rolling material have been concerns for firefighters on this fire.  Crews did work to improve fire line along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and began mopping up along that line on the western side of the fire.  Crews also worked to strengthen and improve other sections of the fire line.   Today’s objectives are to conduct burn-out operations on the north side of the fire to bring the fire to areas where it is safer for firefighters to work and to continue mopping-up along the railroad tracks..  The La Grande Interagency Hot Shot Crew, a Type 1 helicopter, a Type 2 helicopter, four engines and one Type 2 hand crew will be working the fire today.  Approximately 60 personnel are assigned to the fire.   The fire received some light rains yesterday, but warmer and drier conditions are forecast to begin today.  There’s a chance of thunderstorms, with some of the storms being dry, this weekend.  As this weather pattern and the potential for lightning approaches, fire managers are asking for help from the public in observing fire restrictions. 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. ###

Quick Facts Incident Summary Approximate Size: 194 acres Fire Containment: 20% Incident Commander: Matt Hoehna Kip Turner Resources on the Fire: Hand Crews: 2 Helicopters: 2 Engines: 4 Total Personnel: 60 Jurisdiction: CTUIR Tribal Lands Oregon Dept. of Forestry Umatilla National Forest