Gibbon Fire Update

Wednesday, August 11, 2016 10:00 a.m.

Fire Information:  Jamie Knight 541-786-2039

Joani Bosworth 541-278-3722

F 

Firefighters were able to successfully conduct portions of the proposed burnout operations on the 266-acre Gibbon Fire, contributing to the 72-acre growth over the past 24 hours.  Due to the steep terrain, fire managers are using burnout tactics to bring the fire to areas where the risk to firefighters is decreased. 

Continued concerns for fire managers include rolling debris that could carry fire across control lines, and the potential for torching as fuels continue to dry and winds become an issue.  Today, burnout operations will continue along the east side of the fire, if weather permits.  Fire managers hope to have all burn-out operations completed by tomorrow evening.  Crews will also continue improving fire lines and mopping up along the perimeter.

Weather conditions in the region will trend toward warmer and drier.  The forecast is calling for highs in the 90s, increased winds and low relative humidity.  Measurements of fire behavior are climbing, meaning there is a higher risk for active fire behavior through the weekend.  There is also a chance for dry thunderstorms on Sunday. 

The public is reminded that lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Umatilla National Forest are under public use restrictions.  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:	266 acres
Fire Containment:	30%
Incident Commander:	Matt Hoehna Kip Turner
Resources on the Fire:	Hand Crews: 2 Helicopters: 1 Engines: 4
Total Personnel:	60
Location	20 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon
Jurisdiction:	CTUIR Tribal Lands Oregon Department of Forestry Umatilla National Forest