Umatilla National Forest fire crews respond to ignitions following lightning storm

4:30 p.m.

PENDLETON, Ore. – Fire crews on the Heppner Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest are responding to new smoke reports following passing thunderstorms early Monday morning. Significant lightning activity occurred across the Heppner Ranger District, with approximately five new incidents on the Umatilla National Forest reported to the John Day Interagency Dispatch Center (JDIDC). The majority of these fires are staffed and remain small, less than one acre in size. More smoke reports are expected throughout the next few days.

The largest of these fires, the Cabin Creek Fire, is approximately five acres in size and is located about 1.5 miles north of Rocky Flat. The fire was reported at 10:40 a.m. and is burning in grass, brush and timber. Firefighters utilized aerial resources today to support suppression efforts, including a single engine air tanker (SEAT) and air attack. Current resources on scene include three Umatilla National Forest engines and one Umatilla National Forest hand crew.

With increased dry weather, fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at MODERATE. No public use restrictions are in effect on the Forest at this time. 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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