Indian Lake Fire Update 8/5/17

Fire crews worked through the night to fight the Indian Lake fire burning 25 miles southeast of Pendleton.  The fire is approximately 120 acres in size and 55% contained.  Private lands, as well as Bureau of Indian Affairs lands and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest lands are affected.  The fire is human caused, although the specific cause is under investigation.

Yesterday’s initial attack response was an interagency effort and included engines, tenders, dozers, and hand crews; as well as five Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), two Large Air Tankers, one helicopter and an air attack.  A Type 3 interagency organization is being assembled to manage this incident.  Today’s resources include six engines, three tenders, two dozers, a Type 2 helicopter and a Type 1 helicopter.  Firefighters will continue building and improving control lines today.

Very hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through early next week.  Firefighters will be facing high temperatures in the 90s today with relative humidity around 17-22 percent.  Winds are forecast to be lighter than they were yesterday, approximately 2-7 mph from the northwest.  The extended forecast is calling for a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday through Friday.

There are no road closures or evacuation orders on the Indian Lake fire, but the public is encouraged to avoid the area. 

Fire danger in the region is at an EXTREME level and Public Use Restrictions including restrictions for campfires, chainsaw use, off-road travel and debris burning are in effect.  Please check with your local Forest Service office for fire regulations on National Forest land.  Information on Public-Use Restrictions on the Oregon Department of Forestry, Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa Whitman National Forest can be found at http://bmidc.org/index.shtml under Current Information: Fire Restrictions.

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.