Umatilla National Forest fire crews respond to new ignitions following lightning storms

August 11, 2019 - 12 p.m.

PENDLETON, Ore. – Fire crews on the Umatilla National Forest are responding to new smoke reports following passing thunderstorms Friday and Saturday. Significant lightning activity occurred across much of the Forest, with approximately 13 new incidents on the Umatilla National Forest reported so far to the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center (BMIDC) and John Day Interagency Dispatch Center (JDIDC). Most of the Forest also received anywhere from a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain yesterday. Scattered showers are also expected to occur today.

Local initial attack resources have been busy responding to these incidents with support from aerial resources. Most of the fires are staffed and all of the fires remain small, less than one acre in size. However, as conditions dry out more smoke reports are expected throughout the next few days. Aerial reconnaissance and fire lookouts are assisting with detection efforts.

The northern portion of the Umatilla National Forest received the most significant fire activity with nine fires reported total between the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts. Four of the fires are located within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. All fires are staffed by either local initial attack firefighters or smokejumpers.  Firefighters are working to secure and contain those fires today.

On the southern portion of the Umatilla National Forest, three fires have been reported on the North Fork John Day Ranger District (two within the North Fork John Day Wilderness) and one fire on the Heppner Ranger District. Fire crews are engaging these fires today and patrolling for additional starts.

For updated information on the HK Complex, please visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6507/

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.

For more information regarding Umatilla National Forest Public Use 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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