Ben Harrison Fire Burning on North Fork John Day Ranger District

 

PENDLETON, Ore. (August 11, 2023 – 8 p.m.) — Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire located near Ben Harrison Ridge, approximately 10 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.

The Ben Harrison Fire, which is currently estimated at 30-50 acres, was reported on Fri., Aug. 11 at 3:29 p.m. and is burning in heavy timber within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire experienced active fire behavior throughout the afternoon today as hot and windy conditions contributed to increased fire behavior and growth. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Numerous resources are aiding in initial attack efforts, including aerial delivered firefighters (smoke jumpers and rappellers), two engines, and a hand crew. Firefighter suppression efforts are being supported by air tankers that are dropping fire retardant as needed to slow fire spread. Additional resources are on order and an estimated 20 firefighting personnel will be involved in the suppression efforts by night fall. Fire managers will continually assess resource needs based on fire spread and behavior.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the weekend. Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and public use restrictions involving chainsaw use, smoking and off-road travel are in effect.

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/.  

Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.

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