Indian Crossing Fire - Initial Information

Katy Gray – (541)519-4623                                                                August 28, 2016

New Fire Starts on Opening Day of Archery Season

BAKER CITY, OR – The Indian Crossing Fire was reported by Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center shortly after 2:00 p.m. Saturday and is located 15 miles North of Halfway, Oregon along the Imnaha River, near Indian Crossing Campground. The fire is currently 85 acres in size and 0% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Initial Attack resources include three hand crews, four engines, La Grande Interagency Hotshot Crew and Sled Spring Rappellers. Several aerial resources, including Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and helicopters are also assisting in the firefighting efforts.

Firefighters were able to safely evacuate Indian Crossing Campground, Cloverdale Campground and Hidden Campground as well as numerous dispersed campsites along Forest Service (FS) Road 3960, the Upper Imnaha Road.  We ask the public to remain clear of the 3 campgrounds, FS Road 3960 and Trail 1860 at this time for Firefighter and Public Safety.

Conditions are extremely dry and hot, windy weather is expected to continue through the weekend. Fire managers encourage anyone heading out to enjoy archery season or to recreate on public lands to check local conditions and fire restrictions before heading out.

The Wallowa Whitman National Forest remains in Phase B Public Use Restrictions. For more information and a list of designated recreation areas and campsites where campfires are permitted during Phase B Public Use Restrictions, please contact:

Wallowa-Whitman NF: 541-523-6391 or Forest Information Hotlines

·         Baker City 541-523-1234

·         La Grande 541-962-8679

·         Joseph 541-426-5552

www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman or www.facebook.com/WallowaWhitmanNF

Updated Fire Information can also be found on the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog at www.bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com        

        

Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.  Please check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office for public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF.  Visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch webpage at: www.bmidc.org or contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information.                                                                    

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