Black Rock Fire caused by lightning

CLARNO – A total of 35 residences are threatened by the Black Rock Fire, burning 3.5 miles north of Clarno. The blaze has burned more than 20,000 acres and was sparked by lightning Thursday.

Further pinpointing the location of the lightning strike, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center says it hit near Black Rock north of Highway 218, which is known as the Shaniko-Fossil Highway, next to the John Day River.

The Bureau of Land Management has taken the lead in fighting the fire which was reported to be zero percent contained on Sunday morning. It’s estimated containment will be achieved by Sept. 14. A Type 3 Incident Management Team arrived at the scene and established a command center at Pine Creek Conservation Area Friday afternoon.

Today, crews will continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety, fire mitigation, and protection of culturally significant areas. The incident is being managed in coordination with local landowners and cooperators.

Recreational users are advised to exercise extreme caution in the John Day River corridor near Black Rock, including areas north, east, and west of Highway 218. Firefighting operations and aircraft activity make access hazardous for both the public and responders.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow all directions from fire personnel in the area. Evacuations are not currently in place in Wasco County. For the most up-to-date evacuation information and to receive emergency notifications in Wasco, Wheeler, or Grant Counties, visit ORAlert.gov.

Do not fly drones near the fire. Unauthorized drones can ground firefighting aircraft and delay suppression efforts.

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Elkhorn Media Group