Weigh Station Fire: 10 a.m. Update

Fire crews worked through the night cooling hotspots on the Weigh Station Fire near Meacham, Oregon.  Weather conditions were cool and calm allowing continued progress to be made on the line with 35% containment.  The fire size remains at approximately 500 acres.  Conditions today call for warm temperatures with a light and variable wind.  There is a fire weather watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening calling for gusty winds and low humidity.

The lands north and south of Interstate 84 from the Weigh Station on Deadman Pass to Emigrant Springs State Park remain at a “SET” Level 2 evacuation status, and the Emigrant Springs State Park remains closed.  Residents seeking shelter assistance from American Red Cross can call the Red Cross Dispatch phone at (888) 680-1455.

Interstate 84 has continued to remain open to all travelers, but caution is advised. Firefighting operations are still occurring along the freeway and areas of smoke may be present so travelers are urged to be alert.  The Deadman Pass rest area will reopen today for westbound travelers but the eastbound rest area will remain closed until further notice.

Firefighters will work today to continue to strengthen control lines and work on mopping up hot spots.  Work on hazard tree removal as well as utility right of way rehab are objectives for today.  New fire starts in the region will cause increased competition for resources. 

Citizens are asked to continue to use caution and adhere to regulations.  The public is reminded that ODF is currently in Regulated Use Closure in Northeast Oregon and federal lands are currently under public use restrictions.  Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org. 

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. 

Firefighters attend morning briefing for the Weigh Station Fire.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Hessel (Oregon Dept of Forestry)