EVENING UPDATE: Pilot Rock Fire
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
State task forces arrive to assist local agencies in response to Pilot Rock Fire
Pilot Rock – (From the Umatilla County Emergency Operations Center) Local crews worked overnight with assistance from mutual aid resources and a state-requested immediate response task force to control the Pilot Rock/Juniper Canyon fire. Crews completed burnouts around the fire to secure homes, infrastructure, and agriculture.
The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Wednesday night around 9:30 p.m., which allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize structural fire resources to protect life and property. The State Fire Marshal activated the green incident management team and additional task forces from around the state. Task forces responded from Benton County, Polk County, Clatsop County, and Marion County. Additionally, a Umatilla County task force was able to stay on the fire and assist on the incident.
Incident commander Lance Lighty had the following to say regarding the cooperative response throughout the last two days, “We’d like to recognize all the local fire departments, neighboring county mutual aid, Sheriff Rowan, and county Emergency Management staff for an excellent response to protect local communities, homes, and properties during some very challenging fire conditions. It was an excellent coordinated and effective response.”
Conflagration resources will work throughout the day to secure the fire perimeter and extinguish any additional fires discovered due to this lightning event. Air resources remain available in the region to assist firefighters on the ground.
Stay informed on updated evacuation alerts here:
https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff
Shelters have been set up at Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate in Pendleton, and Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd in John Day.
The Pilot Rock Fire is located 4 miles southwest of Pilot Rock, OR, and was first reported on Wed, July 17, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation.
Photo via Pendleton Professional Firefighters Local 2296
