Passing thunderstorms ignite multiple starts in Northeast Oregon

Media Contacts:

Darcy Weseman, Umatilla National Forest, (541) 278-3722

Larry Sandoval, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, (541) 523-1242

Jamie Knight, Oregon Department of Forestry (Northeast OR District), (541) 786-2039 

Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry (Central OR District), (541) 263-0661

PENDLETON, BAKER CITY, LA GRANDE, PRINEVILLE, Ore. -  Fire crews in northeast Oregon are responding to multiple reports of smoke and fire following passing thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and overnight.  Approximately 36 new incidents have been reported to the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center and John Day Interagency Dispatch Center. The majority of these fires are staffed and remain small, less than one acre in size.

Additional fires are likely to be detected throughout the day as temperatures warm and fire activity increases.  Aerial reconnaissance and fire lookouts are assisting with detection efforts.  Isolated thunderstorms are expected in northeast Oregon again on Friday and Sunday.

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect. Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.

For more information about Fire Danger Levels, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and Public Use Restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest   

Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663 

www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla      

www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF 

Twitter: @UmatillaNF   

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Information Hotlines: Baker City (541) 523-6391;
La Grande (541) 962-8679; Joseph (541) 426-5552
www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman www.facebook.com/WallowaWhitmanNF 

Twitter: @WallowaWhitman

ODF, Northeast Oregon District 

Phone: (541) 963-3168 or (541) 786-2039 

www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO/ 

ODF, Central Oregon District

Phone: (541) 263-0661 www.facebook.com/ODFCentralOregon/
www.odfcentraloregon.com

The latest fire information can be found by visiting either the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog or Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District blog. If you are interested in receiving updates on fire activity, follow ours blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ or www.odf.centraloregon.com.   

           

###