Bear Fire in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, 12 Miles South of Wallowa Ore., Reaches 25 Acres

By on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

WALLOWA — (Release from the U.S. Forest Service) Wallowa-Whitman Fire Crews are responding to the 25-acre Bear Fire currently burning 12 miles south of Wallowa Ore. in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

The lightning-started fire was spotted in mid-September and is being managed to protect values at risk, such as private property and Forest Service infrastructure, while minimizing risks to firefighters.

Dry conditions and low humidities increased fire activity on Monday making smoke visible in the Wallowa Valley.

The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain between Bear Creek and Goat Creek and is predominantly smoldering and burning in downed logs and forest litter. The public can expect to see smoke and fire activity in the area while dry conditions persist across the region.

There are no closures currently in effect, but the public should check on the most current conditions before traveling into the backcountry by calling the Wallowa Mountains Office at 541-426-5546.