Umatilla National Forest Lightning Fire Update

Type 2 Interagency Management Team to take command of HK Complex      

Aug. 7, 2019 - 12 p.m.                                                     

PENDLETON, Ore. – Firefighters have made progress on the majority of the wildfires caused by the recent thunderstorms. Concentrated lightning activity occurred across portions of the Forest last night. New smoke reports are anticipated throughout the next few days as the weather conditions remain hot and dry.

Two new fires were discovered yesterday within the boundary of the HK Complex, which consists of 13 lightning fires burning on the Heppner Ranger District near the Alder Creek Skookum Trailhead, approximately 15 miles north of Monument, Oregon.  The total acreage of all fires within the HK Complex is now estimated at 1,500 acres and the fires are burning in grass, brush and timber. The largest of the fires within the complex is estimated at 125 acres. Yesterday fire behavior consisted of torching, spotting and active running. Hot and dry conditions, as well as strong winds, contributed to rapid growth on the fire yesterday.

A local Type 3 incident management team out of John Day, Oregon, took command of the HK Complex yesterday at 6 p.m. However, due to the increased fire activity, a Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will in-brief today at the Heppner Ranger District office at 4 p.m. The Type 2 Incident Management Team will take command of the fire tomorrow at 6 a.m.

A large area, road and trail closure has been implemented on the HK Complex. A description of the area closure is available at the end of this release.

Today firefighters will continue to complete direct line construction, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to slow fire spread and cool hotspots within the fire perimeter.  Approximately 300 fire personnel, including some local resources from Oregon Department of Forestry, are currently assigned to the fire.

The Rocky Flats Fire still remains at 49 acres and 100% lined. The fire is also located on the Heppner Ranger District and is approximately 13 miles northeast of Spray, Oregon. Resources on scene include one crew and two engines. Today’s suppression strategy is to continue to improve containment lines.

Any recent fires not listed are in contained or controlled status and will continue to be monitored.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Additional thunderstorms are forecasted over the next few days.

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.

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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HK Complex Closure Description:

Starting at Forest Service Road (FSR) 21 and its junction with FSR 2202 in T6S, R27E, Section 8, south to the Forest Boundary in T7S, R27E, section 4, East along the forest boundary to FSR 2110 in T7S, R28E, Section 3, north up FSR 2110 to junction with FSR 2107-070 in T5S, R28E, Section 32, North to FSR 2107 in T5S, R28E, section 29, west along FSR 2107 to junction of FSR 2107/2107-086 in T5S, R28E, section 30, north on FSR 2107-086 to junction of FSR 5350 at T5S, R28E section 19, west to junction of FSR 5380 T5S, R27E, section 26, continuing west to Forest Service Trail (FST) 3051 (Skookum Trail) in T5S, R27E section 27, north to the junction of FST 3052 (Copple Butte Trail) in T5S R27E section 22, west to junction of FST 3054 (Madison Butte Trail) in T5S, R27E, section 29, south to junction of FSR 21 in T6S, R27E, section 9, west along FSR 21 to junction with FSR 2202 in T6S, R27E, section 8.

Additionally, Forest Service Road 2107 is closed as part of this closure order.

Area closure map - Aug. 7, 2019

View of HK Complex from Madison Butte - Aug. 6, 2019