Umatilla National Forest Lightning Fire Morning Update

News Contact: Darcy Weseman, (541) 278-3722
Aug. 21, 2018 - 11:45 a.m.

PENDLETON, Ore. –Additional new fires have been detected across the forest this morning following the recent thunderstorms. More smoke reports are expected throughout the next few days as the heavy smoke in the area lifts and weather conditions continue to stay warm and dry.

Local initial attack resources have been busy responding to these incidents. With the limited visibility due to the heavy smoke in the area, fire detection has been a challenge. Fire managers have used thermal detection through a software program called MODIS and infrared detection from a National Guard aircraft to help identify new fires. The use of aerial resources for suppression efforts has been hampered due to the heavy smoke that has settled into the area.

On the North Fork John Day Ranger District, the Harrison Fire was reported on Aug. 20 at 8:11 p.m. within the Greenhorn unit of the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire is burning in grass and open timber approximately 16 miles west of Sumpter, Oregon and 2 miles south of Olive Lake. Based on thermal detection from MODIS, fire managers estimate the fire to be 30 acres in size. Firefighters are hiking in this morning to get a better size up and develop a suppression plan.

The Pomeroy Ranger District picked up two new fires. A spot near Grouse Flats was staffed with smokejumpers and is now 100% lined. Firefighters are working to secure and mop up that fire today. The Hardy Fire was reported at on Aug. 20 at 8:47 p.m. near Hard to Get to Ridge, approximately 20 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington. The fire is less than a tenth of an acre, burning in brush and grass. Three firefighters are on scene working to secure containment lines.

The Heppner Ranger District continues suppression actions on yesterday’s two recently reported fires. The largest of these fires, the Gilman Fire, is approximately 650 acres in size near Gilman Flats on the Heppner Ranger District. Firefighters were able to get a better size up of the fire today, resulting in the updated acreage. A Type 3 team took command of the fire today at 7 a.m. Today firefighters will focus on keeping the fire on top of the ridge and out of the Ditch Creek drainage. Resources on scene include three Oregon Department of Forestry engines, three Forest Service engines, and five dozers. In coordination with Oregon Department of Forestry, additional firefighting resources are anticipated to arrive today from the Kinzua Complex to assist in suppression efforts. Grant County has issued a Level 1 Pre-Evacuation Fire Advisory for the area of Monument, Ritter, Dale and Middle and North Fork communities. The advisory area extends from Hwy 402, north to the Grant County line, and Hwy 395 west to the Grant County line. Residents in the area should make advance preparations and stay tuned for further updates. For additional information on this pre-evacuation fire advisory please visit gcoregionlive2.com and click on the emergency alert system link.

The Cupper Canyon Fire, located on the Heppner Ranger District approximately 4 miles NW of Monument, Oregon, is currently 60 acres and 60% lined. Resources on scene include three Oregon Department of Forestry engines, one Umatilla National Forest engine and one hand crew. Firefighters continue to secure and improve containment lines.

The Low Ridge Fire consists of two fires located within the Mill Creek Watershed near Indian Ridge approximately 17 miles SE of Walla Walla, Washington on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Both fires are currently 100% lined. The fires were reported yesterday at 4:53 p.m., burning in grass and timber. One fire is less than an acre in size and fully lined. The second fire is approximately 2.5 acres and was staffed overnight by one Forest Service engine and one Oregon Department of Forestry engine. Resources on scene include five firefighters from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, a 10-person hand crew from Alaska, and Umatilla National Forest personnel. A helicopter has been ordered to provide bucket work to assist in suppression efforts today.

Additional thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday afternoon. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels over the next few days.

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.

Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR).  More information can be found on the WA-DNR website at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/.  

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest:

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

www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF

Twitter: @UmatillaNF

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/.

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