Umatilla National Forest Lightning Fire Update - Aug. 24

Contact: Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722

August 24, 2020 – 8:30 a.m.

PENDLETON, Ore. – Firefighters are making substantial progress on most of the wildfires caused by recent thunderstorms. Two new fires were discovered on the Forest yesterday and were actively suppressed. Both fires are staffed and remain small, less than a tenth of an acre in size. More fires may be detected throughout the next few days as weather conditions continue to stay warm and dry. A fire weather watch is in effect across the Forest through Tuesday for isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds. 

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (IMT) 3 took command of the Rattlesnake Fire at 6 a.m. today to be managed along with the Meacham Complex. Future information regarding the Rattlesnake Fire will be distributed through the IMT. Contact information for the IMT is available at  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7038/.

Firefighters made significant progress yesterday securing containment lines on the Putnam Springs Fire on the Heppner Ranger District.  The fire is 130 acres in size and 90% contained. Fire behavior was minimal yesterday, with the fire smoldering and creeping. Today firefighters will continue to secure control lines and conduct mop up activities on the fire. Mopping up includes searching for pockets of heat, digging out the heat source, and cooling with water. Current resources on scene include 4 engines, 3 hand crews, 2 skidgines, 2 dozers and 3 water tenders. The District anticipates transitioning the fire from the Type 3 Team to a Type 4 organization on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

On the Walla Walla Ranger District, firefighters continued containment efforts on the Buzzard Fire. The seven-acre fire was reported on Aug. 19 and is located two miles east of Jubilee Lake. Fire behavior was minimal yesterday and firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines and complete mop up activities.  

The Alder Creek Fire is 100% contained. The fire is located near Lookout Mountain, approximately 24 miles northwest of Wallowa, Oregon. Today firefighters will continue to secure control lines and conduct mop up activities on the fire. 

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Increased winds are anticipated again today. 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. Regulated closures have also been implemented on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR).  

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact the Umatilla National Forest information hotline at (877) 958-9663.  The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/. 

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