Umatilla National Forest Lightning Fire Update

Contact: Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722

August 23, 2020 – 11:30 a.m.

PENDLETON, Ore. – Firefighters made good progress yesterday on most of the wildfires caused by recent thunderstorms. No new fires were reported yesterday, but fire managers anticipate more fires may be detected throughout the next few days as weather conditions continue to stay warm and dry.

The Rattlesnake Fire on the Pomeroy Ranger District burned actively yesterday afternoon, growing to 220 acres in size.  Hot and dry weather contributed to active fire behavior and smoke was visible for miles. The Rattlesnake Fire is located in steep terrain within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness approximately 20 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington and a quarter mile south of Panjab campground. The fire is burning within the 2006 Columbia Complex fire scar in grass, brush, snags and timber with dead and down trees. Two helicopters worked the fire yesterday, dropping water on the fire to slow spread and cooling hot spots. Contractors with heavy equipment and local forest engineers began repairing the approach to the Little Tucannon Bridge on FSR 47 (which was damaged in the February flood event). After the bridge is repaired, work on opening the road will begin. The objective of this work is to gain firefighter access into the fire. The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 3 that is managing the Meacham Complex will take command of the Rattlesnake Fire on Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 a.m.  The Forest is implementing a temporary road, trail and area closure surrounding the Rattlesnake Fire for public safety.

Firefighters made progress securing containment lines on the Putnam Springs Fire on the Heppner Ranger District yesterday.  The fire was held at 130 acres in size and is 40% contained. Fire behavior was moderate yesterday, with the fire smoldering, creeping and spots of isolated torching. Late afternoon downslope winds remain a threat for suppression efforts, with potential for the fire to spot across containment lines. Today, firefighters will continue to strengthen line construction, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, utilizing hoses and water to cool hot spots within the fire perimeter. Current resources on scene include 5 engines, 3 hand crews, 2 skidgines, 2 dozers and 3 water tenders. 

The 12-acre Rocky Fire is now 100% contained, which is also located on the Heppner Ranger District. Today firefighters will continue to secure control lines and conduct mop up activities on the fire. Mopping up includes searching for pockets of heat, digging out the heat source, and cooling with water.  

On the Walla Walla Ranger District, firefighters made good progress securing containment lines on the Buzzard Fire. The seven-acre fire was reported on Aug. 19 and is located two miles east of Jubilee Lake. Fire behavior was minimal yesterday and firefighters will continue to complete line construction.  

The Alder Creek Fire is 100% lined. The fire is located near Lookout Mountain, approximately 24 miles northwest of Wallowa, Oregon. Today firefighters will continue to secure control lines and conduct mop up activities on the fire. Mopping up includes searching for pockets of heat, digging out the heat source, and cooling with water.  Resources on scene include a five-person crew and one engine.

The North Fork John Day Ranger District had no new fires reported today, but crews continue to patrol and mop up hot spots on existing fires.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Increased winds are anticipated again today. Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and Public Use Restrictions involving chainsaw use are in effect. Regulated closures have also been implemented on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR).  

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact the Umatilla National Forest information hotline at (877) 958-9663.  The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/. 

###

Buzzard Fire, photo taken Aug. 22