Boulder Creek Fire suppression efforts progressing as blaze is now 50% contained
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY — Firefighters continue to make significant progress in containing the Boulder Creek Fire, located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in northeastern Oregon.
As of Wednesday, August 21, a Type 2 team, along with a Wildland Fire Module Unit and rappellers, are actively engaged in suppression efforts, according to Walter Lowell of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
“We are making good progress,” Lowell said, noting that the south end of the fire, referred to as the heel, along with both sides up to roughly 50% of the fire’s perimeter, is now contained. “It’s looking good.”
Approximately 50 firefighters are currently assigned to the Boulder Creek Fire. If the situation continues to improve, officials plan to begin scaling back resources starting Thursday.
Efforts are also underway to contain another nearby blaze, initially called the Bench Fire in dispatch but possibly referred to as the Copper Creek Fire. Four rappellers were deployed to this fire on Wednesday afternoon. The official name of the fire is still being confirmed, but like the Boulder Creek Fire, suppression efforts are being prioritized. Lowell said that aerial reconnaissance, originally planned to capture images of the potential new fire starts following a recent lightning storm. However, the weather outlook is favorable for the weekend, with anticipated rainfall likely to aid in suppression efforts. Firefighters remain cautious, though, about the possibility of further lightning accompanying the rain.
The Boulder Creek Fire, which began on August 17, has burned approximately 150 acres and is located a few miles northwest of Boulder Park in Union County. Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation notices remain in place for a small number of residents in Baker and Union counties.
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest had initially considered allowing the fire to burn for resource benefits but ultimately opted for a full suppression strategy due to the active fire season. Firefighters are contending with rugged terrain and difficult access, using a contain-and-confine approach to manage the fire’s growth.
