New fire burning on the Umatilla National Forest

News Contact:  Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722

August 8, 2017 - 6:00 p.m.

Pendleton, Ore. – Fire crews are responding to the Tupper Corral Fire, located one mile west of Tupper Guard Station and 20 miles southeast of Heppner. The fire, which is burning in grass and timber, was reported today at 3:45 p.m. and is threatening Tupper Guard Station and nearby utility lines. The estimated size of the fire is approximately 15 acres, with multiple spots ranging anywhere from one-quarter to one acre in size. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Firefighters will work through the night on structure protection and to build containment lines where they are safely able to do so. Resources on the fire include two dozers, six engines, one crew, and aircraft resources supervised by air attack.

“Fuels are extremely dry and firefighter and public safety remain our number one priority,” said Brian Ebert, Umatilla National Forest Deputy Fire Staff. “Crews will assess the need for direct and in-direct attack strategies as the fire develops.”

Very hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through early next week. Firefighters will be facing high temperatures in the 90s with relative humidity around 15-20 percent. Light winds are forecasted for the fire area tomorrow. The forecast is calling for a chance of thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday.

The fire danger rating is EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect.  For more information about the Umatilla National Forest’s Public Use Restrictions, please contact any forest office, call our Forest Information hotline at 1-877-958-9663, or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla/.

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. If you are interested in receiving updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/.

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