Sunday, October 5, 2014

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.