Evacuations Levels are Reduced on Griffin Gulch Fire

Baker City, OR—Firefighters are making good progress on the Griffin Gulch Fire.  The fire is currently reported at 30 acres, approximately 2 miles southwest of Baker City.  Aggressive initial attack has stopped the fire spread at this time.  Resources will remain on scene tonight to continue securing the fire line and extinguish hot spots.  The fire is burning on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry and the Greater Bowen Valley Fire District.  ODF is managing the fire in coordination with Greater Bowen Valley Fire. 

Currently The Griffin Gulch area has been lowered to a Level 2 (SET) evacuation order.  The area surrounding Griffin Gulch remains at a Level 2 (SET) evacuation order.  A Level 1 (READY) evacuation notice is still in place for Elk Creek, Washington Gulch, Old Auburn and the foothills south of Baker City.  Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring conditions tonight and be aware of changes.  Evacuation orders will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning. 

Resources on the fire at this time include 1 dozer, 4 engines, one water tender, and 5 hand crews.  Resources from Keating, Bowen Valley, and Baker Rural Fire Departments, as well as Oregon Department of Forestry and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest resources responded this afternoon.  10 engines, four dozers, three hand crews, two helicopters, four Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), two heavy air tankers, and an air attack were part of the effort today.  Resources will be on scene tomorrow to continue working the fire. 

Thunderstorm activity has been reported in the area and resources are patrolling the strike areas looking for any new starts. 

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

To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1. 

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Photo Courtesy of Jana Peterson-Oregon Department of Forestry