Eli Creek Fire Update-Final

Pilot Rock, OR- Firefighters and landowners were successful in stopping the spread of the Eli Creek Fire located approximately 15 miles southwest of Pilot Rock.  The Eli Creek Fire has burned approximately 3,420 acres. As of this afternoon, the fire is 80% contained.  The Blue Mountain Interagency Type 3 team took command of the fire this morning, allowing many local resources to return to initial attack duties. 

Air resources were crucial to the success of firefighters.  Yesterday’s air force included five Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), two large air tankers, two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, one lead plane and an air attack supervisor.  Additional resources included five engines and four dozers as well as many landowner resources. 

The public is reminded that ODF’s Northeast Oregon District has implemented additional public use restrictions intended to reduce human caused wildfires.  The Regulated Use Closure prohibits open burning, chainsaw use, mowing and cutting of dry grass, and welding and cutting of metal.  Other activities included in the restriction can be found at http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml.  Fire conditions are EXTREME throughout the region.  Please use caution to help prevent forest fires.  Thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday and into next week as the next disturbance pushes across the region. 

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information on ODF Restrictions:

La Grande Unit (541) 963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit (541) 523-5831

Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881

Pendleton Unit (541) 276-3491

To report a fire, contact:

Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch (541) 963-7171

Or, call 9-1-1.

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