Two fires reported in Union County, evacutations ordered
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Update on the Pumpkin Ridge Fire and Shaw Creek Fire as of 10:30am (Oct 27)
According to Officials, All evacuation levels have been lifted due to firefighter progress and favorable weather from the Pumpkin Ridge Fire. Residents in the area need to have a heightened awareness and caution due to active fire still burning. Smoke will probably be visible for several more days. UCSO sent the new drone, manned by UCSO Deputy Hamilton to help map out the fire perimeter. That was a very useful and helpful tool to the firefighters on scene.
The Pumpkin Ridge fire had multiple responders on scene, including Elgin, Imbler and La Grande Rural Fire Protection Agencies, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Emergency Services, Oregon State Police, United States Forest Service and Northeast Oregon Department of Forestry personnel from both Union and Wallowa Counties. The cause of the fire has been determined as a result of an escaped controlled burn.
The Oregon Department of Forestry will continue to monitor the Pumpkin Ridge Fire and perform mop-as as to mitigate the risk of escape.
The Shaw Creek Fire may also have visible smoke, but at this time
Pumpkin Ridge Fire Update as of 7:40pm: From Union County Emergency Management
Evacuation levels are being reduced by one level. Fire resources will remain on scene through the night continuing mop up. At this time the fire is estimated at approximately 60 acres in size.
Pumpkin Ridge Fire Update as of 6:35pm: From Union County Emergency Management
The Pumpkin Ridge fire has multiple responders on scene, including Elgin, Imbler and La Grande Rural Fire Protection Agencies, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Emergency Services, Oregon State Police, and Northeast Oregon Department of Forestry personnel from both Union and Wallowa Counties. The cause of the fire has been determined as a result of an escaped controlled burn. Total acreage of the fire is not currently available but fire officials plan to utilize a thermal drone imaging service later this evening.
Pumpkin Ridge Fire Update as of 5:15pm: From Union County Emergency Management
Emergency responders are working on two separate fires in Union County. One is in the Pumpkin Ridge area and the other is near Shaw Creek. Evacuation notices have been issued for areas adjacent to the Pumpkin Ridge fire as shown on the map below. Responders on scene include multiple agencies, including Search and Rescue crews who are assisting with the evacuation notices. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Previous: Emergency responders are currently on the scene of two separate fires in Union County one in the Pumpkin Ridge area and one in the Shaw Creek area. According to Union County Emergency Management, evacuations are being ordered for both fires. Crews are going door-to-door to alert citizens. At this time, no additional details are available. We will continue to update as information becomes available.
