Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Lightning Fire Update

Contact: Darcy Weseman, (541) 215-2224

 

 

Baker City, Ore. – Saturday night brought thunder/lightning storms to our region, which were accompanied by little to no rain. Significant lightning activity this morning has occurred across the Forest, starting as far south as  French Glen, continuing across Baker County, north across the Wallowa Mountains and through Wallowa County. Several new fires have been reported this morning with more expected throughout the day.

Local initial attack resources have been successful in containing each of these fires. The majority of the fires are staffed and remain small, less than one acre in size. Fire crews will monitor these fires and continue to watch for additional starts.

The largest of these fires, The Phillips Fire, is located 13 miles southwest of Baker City. The fire is approximately 1.25 acres and is 100% contained. When reported yesterday afternoon, the Phillips Fire was active with high potential to spread. Fire managers were able to contain the fire last night due to the excellent initial attack response of three engines, one 20-person crew, one dozer, one heavy helicopter and one medium helicopter. Firefighters are conducting mop up activities on the fire today. Current resources on scene today include two engines.

The latest fire information can be found by visiting one of the locations below:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Homepage:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman

 Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog: http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/

Blue Mountains Interagency Dispatch Center:  http://bmidc.org

 Follow the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service- Wallowa-Whitman National Forest or on Twitter at @WallowaWhitman

Forest officials encourage everyone to be safe and careful when recreating or using the national forest.  The Wallowa-Whitman continues to be in Phase A of the Public Use Restrictions (PURs, which also includes the Seasonal Campfire Restrictions).  More information on the PURs can be found on the forest website.

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