Crews Continue Work on Griffin Gulch Fire

Baker City, OR—Crews remained on scene through the night to strengthen fire lines and extinguish hot spots on the Griffin Gulch Fire, located 2 miles southwest of Baker City.  Today five engines, two water tenders, and five hand crews will be on scene working on containment.  Containment on Griffin Gulch this morning is estimated at 15%.  The fire is currently reported at 27 acres, due to the being able to accurately map it during the night.  The fire started on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and burned onto lands protected by the Greater Bowen Valley Fire Department.  ODF and Greater Bowen Valley Fire are managing the fire today.

Evacuation levels for Griffin Gulch and the area surrounding Griffin Gulch remain at a Level 2 (SET).  Level 2 evacuation means to “BE SET” to evacuate.  Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if conditions worsen.  A Level 1 (READY) evacuation notice is still in place for residences in Elk Creek, Washington Gulch, Old Auburn and the foothills south of Baker City.  A Level 1 evacuation means to “BE READY” for a potential evacuation.  Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency notification systems and local media for updates.

The weather forecast for the area calls for gusty winds through today as an approaching cold front moves in.  Conditions for today are expected to be sunny with highs in the low 80s.  Tonight there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms until midnight. 

Citizens are reminded that Oregon Department of Forestry remains in a Regulated Use Closure.  Lands managed by the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management also remain under public use restrictions.  Please check restrictions before heading out to enjoy the outdoors.  For current fire restrictions in northeast Oregon, check 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. 

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