Skull Spring Fire Burning on North Fork John Day Ranger District

 

PENDLETON, Ore. (July 4, 2024) — Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire six miles northeast of Dale, OR and approximately five miles southeast of Ukiah, OR on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.

The SKULL SPRING FIRE, which is currently estimated at 80 acres, was reported on Thursday, July 4, at 11:33 a.m. and is burning near the Drift Fence Campground. The fire experienced active fire behavior throughout the afternoon today as hot and dry conditions contributed to increased fire behavior and growth. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Campers at Drift Fence Campground have been alerted by local law enforcement about the fire, at this time there is no need or concern for their evacuation.

Numerous resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service are aiding in initial attack efforts to include six engines, two crews, two bulldozers, two helicopters and two airtankers. Additional resources are on order and an estimated 60 firefighting personnel will be involved in the suppression efforts into the night. Fire managers will continually assess resource needs based on fire spread and behavior.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the weekend. Officials want to remind everyone that while the current fire danger rating remains at LOW for Umatilla National Forest, this weekend is expected to be extremely hot and dry with conditions spanning through Saturday and Sunday.

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest:

Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663

www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF   X: @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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