High Winds Push New Fire Start Burning South of Baker City

Baker City, OR--Residents of Baker City may be noticing a column of smoke to the south of town.  The Griffin Gulch Fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon burning 3 miles southwest of Baker City.  The fire, estimated to be approximately 20 acres, is burning in grass and timber on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry.  High winds are being reported in the fire area and temperatures are approximately 88 degrees.  Fire resources responding to the scene include three dozers, 8 engines, one hand crew, an air attack, and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs).  The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and is being investigated. 

A Level 3 (GO) evacuation order has been issued for residences of Griffin Gulch.  A Level 2 (SET) evacuation order has been issued for the area immediately surrounding Griffin Gulch to the north side of Elk Creek.  A Level 1 (READY) evacuation notice has been issued for the Elk Creek, Washington Gulch, Old Auburn and the foothills south of Baker City.

The near-term weather report calls for cooler temperatures by the weekend with the arrival of a cold front.  Frontal passages typically mean higher winds while the front moves through the area.  The public is reminded that ODF is currently in Regulated Use Closure in Northeast Oregon.  Fire managers recommend that recreationists and travelers check the fire regulations before heading out to enjoy the forest. 

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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