Fire Season Ends in Northeast Oregon

As of 12:01 p.m. on October 23, 2014, fire season is officially terminated for forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Northeast Oregon District.  This includes private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Grant, Malheur, and Morrow.  Scattered rain showers throughout the district over the past few weeks combined with cooler fall temperatures has reduced the fire danger.  However, John Buckman, Northeast Oregon District Forester reminds the public to implement safe practices when using fire in the fall months. “Fall is a good time to burn forest slash or yard debris but please recognize that just one sunny and windy day can change conditions very quickly.  Each fall we respond to escape fires so please continue to use fire in a responsible manner.”  Technical advice for burning and smoke management can be obtained from your local ODF office. 

 

With the termination of fire season, requirements such as providing fire-fighting equipment at logging sites or obtaining a burning permit for burn barrels are no longer in effect.  However, terminating fire season does not relieve landowners or forest operators of lawful responsibilities concerning the safe burning of debris or slash.  Windy conditions combined with warm weather could cause unpredictable fire behavior.  

 

Specific Smoke Management/Burning Advisory Information:

·         Unless you are in a rural or city fire department protection area, burn permits for burn barrels and small amounts of yard debris are not required. If you are under the protection of a rural or city fire department, please call and ask what their burning restrictions are.  Burning within the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation requires a permit from the CTUIR.  Follow all requirements within the permit.

·         Burning of slash from forestry and logging activities requires a Notification of Operation/PDM from the Oregon Department of Forestry.  In addition to this permit, the local Oregon Department of Forestry office must be contacted prior to ignition. 

Before burning in northeast Oregon, it is important to check weather conditions related to smoke management.  For smoke management forecasts call (541) 963-9781 or visit the following website: http://www.odf.state.or.us/DIVISIONS/protection/fire_protection/Daily/neo.htm.

·         Slash Burns must be registered with the local Oregon Department of Forestry office at least 7 days prior to burning and burning accomplishments reported within 7 days after burning.

 

The Northeast Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry would like to thank forest landowners, forest operators and the public for their efforts in fire prevention, detection, and suppression activities this season.    After back to back record fire seasons for the State of Oregon the Northeast Oregon District was again able to keep acres burned below the ten year average of 2,207 acres.  Firefighters in the district suppressed 105 fires, burning just 1,038 acres.  Additional resources such as helicopters, dozers and single engine air tankers, partially paid for with General Fund monies from the State of Oregon helped significantly to check fire spread quickly in a year where there were numerous large fires burned throughout the state.  These additional resources were part of the coordinated effort used by ODF which also included rural fire departments, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, local contractors, landowners, and a long standing relationship with the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.  

 

For further information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at these local offices:           

            La Grande Unit                          (541) 963-3168

            Baker City Sub-Unit                   (541) 523-5831

            Wallowa Unit                             (541) 886-2881

            Pendleton Unit                          (541) 276-3491  

 

 To report a fire, call 9-1-1.

Due to the hard work from firefighters from around the area, the Mt Harris Fire will reach full containment by the end of shift Wednesday evening. Local firefighters will continue to mop-up and monitor the fire until significant precipitation arrives.
"This was another good example of how interagency resources come together to successfully fight fire. ODF really appreciates the response from all the agencies, rural fire departments and landowners that showed up and helped us out." Incident Commander, Mitch Williams with the Oregon Department of Forestry said.

The Mt Harris Road-62 Road is now open to the public, however people are encouraged to use caution. Rolling rocks and debris will continue to be an issue. There will also be continued firefighting traffic in the area.

Regulated use closure is still in effect for lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. There are no campfire allowed and no open burning without a permit. For more detailed information on fire regulations, call your local ODF office.

More information for fire danger in Northeast Oregon can be found at http://bmidc.org/index.shtml

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for complete information on ODF Restrictions:

La Grande Unit (541)963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit (541)523-5831

Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881

Pendleton Unit (541)276-3491

To report a fire, contact:

Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch (541) 963-7171

Or, call 9-1-1

This will be the last update for this fire.
Photo Credit:  Jana Peterson-Oregon Department of Forestry

Mt Harris 62 Road to Remain Closed

Firefighters are continuing to make progress on the Mt Harris 14 fire, which began Saturday afternoon East of La Grande.  No fire growth was reported yesterday.

Due to concerns for public and firefighter safety, the Mt Harris Road (62 Road) will remain closed in the fire area until further notice.  ODF would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience in this matter! 

Firefighters Continue Control Efforts on Mt Harris Fire

The Oregon Department of Forestry is using a variety of resources in continuing efforts to contain and control a wildfire burning East of La Grande. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Fire size is estimated at approximately 260 acres. The increase is in size is due to better mapping and being able to see the entire fire in the light of day. The fire is currently at 40% containment.


A small fire camp has been established near the fire and will support firefighting efforts for several days. Again, the public is reminded that fire traffic in the area will remain heavy for the next few days. Currently, the Mt Harris Road is still closed due to heavy firefighting activity and traffic. Fire traffic is also using the Market Lane, Lower Cove Road and Alicel areas heavily. If travel in the area is necessary, people are urged to use extreme caution.

Firefighting resources that are supporting the efforts are eight engines, four tenders, seven hand crews, one dozer and several other resources. The firefighters are working to strengthen control lines and begin mopping up hotspots on the fire. Due to areas of heavy fuels, this process will take some time.

The current near term forecast is calling for the weather pattern to stay the same, with warm and dry temperatures throughout the week.

Oregon Department of Forestry is still under a modified Regulated Use Closure. No campfires are allowed on lands protected by ODF. Open burning is allowed only by permit. For other regulations or to obtain a burn permit, please check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office.

More information for fire danger in Northeast Oregon can be found at http://bmidc.org/index.shtml

Mt Harris Wildfire Proves Fire Season Isn’t Over Yet

A fire broke out Saturday afternoon East of Imbler, Oregon, proving that fire season isn’t quite over yet. The fire moved quickly from near Market Lane and is now burning approximately 97 acres in mixed timber, brush and grass on Mt Harris. It is currently burning on private lands. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.


Interagency firefighting resources were integral in battling the fire on Saturday afternoon. Firefighters, led by the Oregon Department of Forestry responded from around Northeast Oregon to the scene. Local Rural Fire Departments from around Union County and the US Forest Service assisted ODF with containment efforts.

Resources currently on scene include air attack, two helicopters, eight engines, multiple dozers and hand crews. Firefighters will work through the night to secure control lines and then operations will continue for several days to continue patrolling and monitoring the fire for hotspots, as well as mop-up operations to further secure the fire area.

Firefighting resources will be prominent in the Mt Harris area for the next few days. Currently, the Mt Harris Road is closed to all uphill traffic and downhill traffic will be led through the fire area. People are reminded to use caution while travelling in the area. Public and firefighter safety are primary concerns for fire managers.

The weather forecast for the week calls for more warm and dry temperatures with no precipitation in sight. The public is reminded that lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry are still under a Regulated Use Closure. No open fires are permitted at this time.

Fire Restrictions ease on private lands in Northeast Oregon-Campfire restrictions still in place

As of 12:01 am, October 2, 2014, the Oregon Department of Forestry has modified the fire prevention related Regulated-Use Closure which is in place on private forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District.  This includes private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Grant, Malheur, and Morrow Counties.  Rain and cooler temperatures have moderated the fire danger allowing the district to remove most of the restrictions implemented in July.  The reduction in restrictions is intended to allow people to recreate in the woods and participate in normal fall activities.  Cooler weather may give a false sense of security which frequently results in a higher occurrence of human-caused fires.  Forecasted warmer temperatures and dry conditions combined with an increase in activity in the woods still cause concern for fire managers that campfires could be left unattended and spread to wildland fuels.  Due to these concerns campfires and warming fires will still be prohibited on lands protected by Northeast Oregon District except in designated locations.  All other open fires on ODF protected lands require a burn permit, contact your local office for information.

 

Limiting human-caused fires within the Northeast Oregon District is the objective of the closure, which includes the following restrictions:

 

·         Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations.  Designated locations within the Regulated Use Closure area includes but is not limited to the following Oregon State Parks:  Emigrant Springs, Ukiah Dale, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Red Bridge, Wallowa Lake, Minam and Unity Lake.  Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

Fire restrictions ease on private lands in northeast Oregon

Rain and cooler temperatures have prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to ease fire restrictions on private forestlands in the Northeast Oregon District, effective Aug. 15. ODF removed additional restrictions added Aug. 9 to an existing regulated-use closure. Areas affected by the change include private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla and small portions of Grant, Malheur and Morrow.

The original regulated-use closure, enacted July 15 to limit human-caused fires, remains in place. 

Cooler weather may give a false sense of security which can result in a higher occurrence of human-caused fires.  The public’s cooperation over the last week during a period of high fire danger and intense thunderstorms is appreciated by firefighters who have worked long hours to contain numerous fires ignited by lightning.

Regulated Use Closure

Current Restrictions on private lands in the Northeast Oregon District

·         Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Designated locations within the regulated-use closure area include but are not limited to the following Oregon State Parks:  Emigrant Springs, Ukiah Dale, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Red Bridge, Wallowa Lake, Minam and Unity Lake. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

·         Debris burning is prohibited, except in burn barrels for which a Burning Permit has been issued.

·         Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.

·         Non-Industrial chain saw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Chain saw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher.  In addition, a fire watch is required at least one 1 hour following the use of each saw.

·         Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is permitted at all other hours, if conducted in a cleared area and if a water supply is present.

·         Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

·         Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed  by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2 ) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

·         Use of fireworks is prohibited.

·         Use of sky lanterns is prohibited.

·         Use of exploding targets is prohibited.

·         Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.

Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

Deer Creek and Deep Canyon

Deer Creek

Firefighters worked through the night on this fire and have spread stopped at approximately 50 acres.  Today they plan on using aircraft and crews on loan from the 5 Mile fire to continue to deal with hot spots and get line around the fire.  This fire is on the lower 1/3 of the slope burning on rugged slopes in grass, brush and timber stringers in the Deer Creek drainage.  Crews hiked about a mile in last night along a narrow ridge to reach the fire.

Deep Canyon

The Deep Canyon Fire is located one drainage to the east of the Deer Creek Fire.  The fire is approximately 150-200 acres with active fire on half of the perimeter.  It is burning in brush and grass, backing down the slopes and making short runs with 4-8' flame lengths.  Firefighters battled this blaze through the night.  This morning additional crews and resources will arrive on the fire.  Fire fighters are using Single Engine Air Tankers and helicopters to slow the spread of the fire and allow firefighters to dig fireline.

ODF is working in cooperation with Washington Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, and local landowner cooperators to contain these fires.

Firefighters work through the night

ODF Wallowa fire fighters are currently working in cooperation with Washington Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service on two fires in the Rye Ridge area along the Washington/Oregon border.  Initial attack for fires along this border area is provided through a cooperative agreement between ODF’s Northeast Oregon District, WA DNR and the Forest Service.  Last size up for these fires is estimated at 40 acres and approximately 150 acres.  Current resources on scene include fire engines and dozers.  Fire fighters worked through the night to contain the fires in this rugged terrain.  Additional firefighting resources will be arriving this morning.  Information will be posted as it becomes available.

Resources Work Together to Stop Wildfire

Crews from Elgin Rural Fire, Imbler Fire, La Grande Rural Fire, City of La Grande Fire, US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry banded together to stop a fire East of Elgin Friday afternoon.  The fire scorched 113 acres.  The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but the fire was caused by human activity.  

“Conditions are ripe for large fires out here now.” Mitch Williams, Wildland Fire Supervisor with ODF said. “All these agencies really came together to work well and to keep this fire from becoming the next catastrophic fire.”

Weeks of hot and dry weather have increased fire danger levels to extreme.  Due to the number of large fires in the region, firefighting resources are depleted.

Weather conditions are expected to remain warm and dry this week with an increased potential for thunderstorms.  Fire managers are asking for the public cooperation and vigilance to prevent wildfires.    

ODF Increases Regulated Use Closure Restrictions

Additional Public Use Restrictions Implemented on Lands Protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Northeast Oregon

Effective 12:01 am August 9, 2014

Effective at 12:01 a.m. August 9, 2014 the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) added additional regulations to the Regulated Use Closure for lands within the Northeast Oregon District.  The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Malheur, Morrow and Grant Counties.  The Regulated Use Closure is intended to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

Persistent hot, dry weather over the last several weeks has raised fire danger to extreme levels.  The current weather pattern is expected to continue, with the possibility of more thunderstorms by this weekend or early next week.  “These additional restrictions are being implemented to help reduce the threat of human caused fires,” explains Dennis Perilli, Pendleton Unit Forester.  Numerous large fires throughout the region have diminished the number of resources that are available to respond to new fire starts.

The Regulated Use Closure includes the following activities:

·         Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking and warming fires, except at designated locations. Designated locations within the Regulated Use Closure area can be found at the following State Parks:  Emigrant Springs, Ukiah Dale, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Red Bridge, Wallowa Lake, Minam, and Unity Lake.  Additional designated locations can be verified by calling local unit offices.  Make sure campfires in these designated locations are DEAD OUT before leaving. 

·         Debris burning is prohibited, including the use of burn barrels.

·         Non-industrial chain saw use is prohibited.

·         Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.

·         Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs), is prohibited except on improved roads, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

·         Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited unless specifically waived by the State Forester.

·         Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited. 

·         Use of fireworks is prohibited.

·         The use of exploding targets is prohibited.

·         Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.

·         Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed  by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2 ) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

The Regulated Use Closure for private forest lands is designed to help fire managers reduce the threat of human caused fires during hot and dry periods.  While many fires on forestland are ignited by lightning, a significant number of wildfires each year are caused by human activities. Preventing fire starts from human activities reduces impacts to our natural resources, enhances our public safety and preserves the natural beauty of northeast Oregon.   

5 Mile Fire Community Meeting Tonight in Joseph

A Community Meeting is scheduled for tonight at the Community Center in Joseph at 6 pm. The public is invited to hear an update on the fires and ask questions.

5 Mile Fire

A Community Meeting is scheduled for tonight at the Community Center in Joseph at 6 pm. The public is invited to hear an update on the fires and ask questions.

5 Mile Fire-4,700 acres

The southeast flank of the 5 Mile Fire became very active yesterday and last night. Fire became established in Dunlap Creek and burned aggressively uphill throwing embers across the Hat Point Road.  The spots totaled approximately 1 acre in size.  Two hotshot crews were working to secure those spots last night.  Idaho Power crews grounded the deactivated high voltage transmission lines transecting the area. The operational priority remains to secure the town of Imnaha and keep the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry protected private lands, ranches and homes along the Imnaha River Road. The northern flank near Imnaha and west flank along the river continue to hold.  Firefighters continue to mop-up hot spots to secure those lines and structure protection remains in place.

Today will be a critical operational day to hold this fire.  Firefighters will be assessing if Thorn Ridge is still a viable option for a containment line. A contingency containment line further south will be scouted. If Thorn Ridge is still an option, a burnout operation will occur today.  Timber fallers will begin to fall snags along Hat Point Road. Structure protection efforts will begin at College Creek Guard Station and at Cayuse Flats.

5 Mile Fire Community Meeting Tonight

A Community Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening at the Imnaha Christian Fellowship Church at 5 pm. The public is invited to hear an update on the fires and ask questions.

A Level 1 Evacuation Notice was issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office for the town of Imnaha and for residents along the Imnaha River Road 5 miles south of Imnaha near Freeze Out Creek to 10 miles north of Imnaha near Fence Creek this morning.  This is an advisory warning that current or projected threats associated with the approaching fire are severe and this is the time for preparations and precautionary movement of persons with special needs and livestock.

5 Mile Fire Update

5 Mile Fire – The operational priority is to secure the town of Imnaha and keep the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry protected private lands of ranches and homes along the Imnaha River Road. The flanks along the north towards Imnaha and west along the river are holding.  The south flank had the majority of burning activity today.  Firefighters are preparing a fireline on a ridge overlooking Jody Creek. Retardant planes are applied retardant in preparation of a burnout operation along this line. The burnout will occur within the next few days as hand crews and hot shots arrive to assist in suppression efforts.  A night shift of firefighters last night patrolled for spots.

5 Mile Fire-Level 1 Evacuation for Imnaha

A Level 1 Evacuation Notice was issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office for the town of Imnaha and for residents along the Imnaha River Road 5 miles south of Imnaha near Freezeout Creek to 10 miles north of Imnaha near Fence Creek this morning.  This is an advisory warning that current or projected threats associated with the approaching fire are severe and this is the time for preparations and precautionary movement of persons with special needs and livestock.

5 Mile Fire Update

Current situation: Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 3, Incident Commander Doug Johnson, assumed command of the 5 Mile and Somers Fires this morning.  The incident command post is located at the Chief Joseph Rodeo Grounds in Joseph, Oregon.  Additional firefighting resources are on order to fill critical needs on the fires but limited resources are available due to high fire activity in Oregon Washington, Idaho, and California.  Resources will be prioritized to protect high value assets and the community of Imnaha.

5 Mile Fire – 3,700 acres, 5% contained. The operational priority is to secure the town of Imnaha and keep the fire from the Oregon Department of Forestry protected private lands of ranches and homes along the Imnaha River Road. Yesterday, retardant was heavily applied in a wide strip to check the movement of the fire toward Imnaha.  Night shift patrolled.  Today, firefighters will provide structure protection; remove fuels away from homes, and burn out around structures where necessary. Air resources usage will be limited this morning until the smoke inversion lifts. Aerial resources are on loan for use from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry.  Retardant planes are available for use.

Additional information is available on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4048/  and http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4053/

Information provided by Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 3.

Five Mile Fire

The Five Mile Fire was reported at 3:15 p.m. today burning just south of the town of Imnaha on Wallowa Whitman National Forest and scattered private ODF-protected forestlands.  ODF Wallowa Unit did Initial Attack on this fire, estimated at approximately 900 acres (approximately 50-75 acres on ODF protection).  The fire is turned over to the forest, with ODF continuing to provide mutual aid, and an interagency Incident Management Team has been ordered and will assume command of this fire, day/time still TBD.

Ukiah Lightning Bust

Within a two hour period Saturday afternoon over 400 lightning strikes reached the ground in the vicinity of Ukiah.  These strikes resulted in 6 fires on private land protected by the Pendleton Unit.  Two of these fires remained staffed overnight and into Sunday.  Numerous thunder cells in the area kept air resources from flying.  However, an aggressive initial attack response from engine crews and bulldozers, along with scattered precipitation, kept the fires from getting very large.  The 14 acre Buckaroo Flats Fire was the largest of the 6 fires and it was located in an area where no precipitation occurred.  Firefighters expect to find more “sleeper” fires over the next couple of days as fuels dry.  The weather forecast calls for more lightning early this week.     

Rain aids fire fighters

Lightning moved through the Northeast Oregon District late this afternoon and evening, igniting numerous fires on ODF protected lands.  Rain accompanied the thunderstorms and helped to slow fire growth, allowing fire fighters to get the upper hand on most of the fires.  Crews continue to respond to fire reports into the night.

Thunderstorms continue to move through northeast Oregon bringing lightning, gusty winds and hopefully some rain.

Fires kept small in Northeast Oregon District

Pendleton fire crews are responding to three fires in the Northeast Oregon District ignited by lightning this evening.  Two of the fires were single tree fires in Morrow County.  Fire fighters are hiking into the third fire in Umatilla County.

Reconnaissance flights covered the district today looking for holdover fires from yesterday's thunderstorms.  Thunderstorms continue to be in the forecast for the weekend.

Fires caught at initial attack in NEO

Fire fighters from the Northeast Oregon District responded to three fires on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry today.  Each of these fires were caught at initial attack.  Fire crews will monitor these fires for hot spots and continue to watch for additional starts.  Thunderstorms are forecast for the area over the next few days as well as the potential for holdovers from todays storm.

Lightning starts fires in Northeast Oregon

Thunderstorms passing through northeast Oregon ignited several fires on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Northeast Oregon District.  Firefighters are currently responding to fires with partners from the US Forest Service, rural fire departments, and local contractors.  Significant rain fell under the core of the storm as it passed, but there was little moisture on the edges of the storm.

A fire in the Chestnut Springs area of Wallowa County is visible from the Minam Grade on Hwy 82.  This fire has several helicopters, 4 engines, 4 rappellers, and a dozer working on it.  A load of retardant from a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) was dropped to slow the spread of the fire.  It is currently estimated at less than an acre.  Crews are close to finishing a wet line around the fire and  Matt Howard, Wallowa Unit Wildland Fire Supervisor says, "We're gonna catch it".  Fire fighters will continue to strengthen firelines and mop-up the fire. 

High Fire Danger in Northeast Oregon District-ODF

Northeast Oregon remains in high fire danger with the forecast of very hot temperatures and lightning.  Fire fighters are preparing for a busy few days.

Severe Thunderstorms Pass Through Oregon

Yesterday (July 22) thunderstorms blanketed much of Oregon with lightning.  Over 10,000 lightning strikes were recorded, igniting numerous new wildfires.  In the Northeast Oregon (NEO) District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) crews responded to four fires on ODF protected lands.

Engines from NEO in cooperation with federal resources quickly extinguished two of these fires at 1/10 of an acre.  A fire in northern Wallowa County was caught at 3.9 acres.   The largest of the fires from yesterday on ODF protected land is the Eden Fire.  This fire was burning on the north side of the Grande Ronde River in Wallowa County near the mouth of Sickfoot Creek.  Moderating conditions coupled with retardant drops from Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) along with two Type 1 helicopters and a Type two helicopter effectively stopped the spread of the fire upslope and allowed crews to hold the fire at approximately 55 acres. Today two 20 person contract crews, a Forest Service crew, four rappelers, and two engines along with overhead are strengthening firelines and mopping up hot spots.  "This was a good catch as the fire had a real chance of becoming another large fire on the landscape," stated Matt Howard, Fire Protection Supervisor for the Wallowa Unit of ODF.

One new fire on ODF protection was picked up early this morning, burning only 1/10 of an acre.  Fire crews are actively engaged with US Forest Service resources to initial attack fires as they have been reported.  Scattered lightning is in the forecast for northeast Oregon this afternoon and evening.  A reconnaissance flight later today will fly over the area looking for additional fires. 

Welcome

The Northeast Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for providing protection from wildfire on over 1.8 million acres of forest and rangelands in Baker, Union, Umatilla, and Wallowa Counties.  The district staffs 20 fire engines during fire season with 46 firefighters.  The District also has two dozers, two water tender, and seasoned overhead to direct fire management efforts along with a capable administrative staff.  Through fire severity funding, the district frequently has two Single Engine Air Tankers and a Type 2 or medium sized water dropping helicopter at our disposal.  The mission of the district is to suppress wildfire and serve as part of the complete and coordinated wildfire protection system by working with federal and local cooperators, landowners, contractors, and the public. 

Fire season 2014 began June 11^th, the earliest in nearly three decades for the Northeast Oregon District.  A Regulated-Use Closure was implemented July 15^th to reduce human caused fires as fuel conditions continue to dry out.  Details for these restrictions can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/odf/northeastoregon/news/regulated_Use_2014.pdf.  The ten year average for the district is 79 fires, burning just over 2,200 acres.