SATURDAY UPDATE: Ben Harrison Fire

By Terry Murry on Monday, August 14th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

Update as of Sunday 8/13 from the Umatailla National Forest

PENDLETON, Ore. (August 13, 2023 – 8:30 a.m.) — Firefighters continue suppression efforts on the 93-acre Ben Harrison Fire, which is burning approximately 20 miles west of Sumpter, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.The Ben Harrison Fire, which was reported on Friday, Aug. 11, is burning generally toward the north and northeast in steep and rocky terrain with heavy timber within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire experienced moderated fire behavior yesterday and did not expand outside of the previously estimated perimeter. Firefighters, aided by aerial resources, focused suppression efforts on establishing containment lines along both sides of the fire.Today firefighters will continue to build containment lines, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to limit the spread of the fire outside of the current perimeter. Crews continue to scout alternate containment lines where natural features bolster potential containments lines and provide for firefighter safety. Natural features utilized by fire managers to establish containment lines include roads, ridges, and rivers. Approximately 80 personnel are being assigned to the fire today.The Forest will inbrief the Northwest Type 2 Incident Management Team 8 today at 12 p.m. and the team is anticipated to take command of the fire tomorrow. The incident command post will be set up at Crane Flats. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and public use restrictions involving chainsaw use, smoking and off-road travel are in effect.For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:Umatilla National Forest:Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF Twitter: @UmatillaNFThe latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/. Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.

Update on Saturday 8/12 from the Umatilla National Forest:

Firefighters continue suppression efforts on the Ben Harrison Fire, which is burning approximately 20 miles west of Sumpter, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.

The Ben Harrison Fire, which was reported on Friday, Aug. 11, is burning generally toward the north and northeast in steep and rocky terrain with heavy timber within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire experienced active fire behavior throughout the afternoon yesterday as hot and windy conditions contributed to increased fire behavior and growth. Firefighters, aided by aerial resources, focused suppression efforts on establishing containment lines to slow the spread of the fire. The fire is roughly estimated at 50-75 acres. Fire managers have ordered a reconnaissance flight today to look at the fire’s progression and identify a more accurate acreage.

Today firefighters will continue to build containment lines, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to slow fire spread. Due to the rough terrain, snags (dead standing trees), and remote location crews are looking for natural features to stop the spread of the fire while also allowing for fire fighter safety. Approximately 80 personnel are being assigned to the fire today.

In preparation for the upcoming predicted weather and increased fire activity, fire managers are ordering additional resources, including a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT). The Type 2 IMT is expected to arrive on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the weekend. Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and public use restrictions involving chainsaw use, smoking and off-road travel are in effect.

Posted Friday 8/11:

News release from the Umatilla National Forest:

PENDLETON, Ore. (August 11, 2023 – 8 p.m.) — Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire located near Ben Harrison Ridge, approximately 10 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.

The Ben Harrison Fire, which is currently estimated at 30-50 acres, was reported on Fri., Aug. 11 at 3:29 p.m. and is burning in heavy timber within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire experienced active fire behavior throughout the afternoon today as hot and windy conditions contributed to increased fire behavior and growth. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Numerous resources are aiding in initial attack efforts, including aerial delivered firefighters (smoke jumpers and rappellers), two engines, and a hand crew. Firefighter suppression efforts are being supported by air tankers that are dropping fire retardant as needed to slow fire spread. Additional resources are on order and an estimated 20 firefighting personnel will be involved in the suppression efforts by night fall. Fire managers will continually assess resource needs based on fire spread and behavior.