Fast-moving Snake Fire cause evacuations
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Snake Fire in southern Umatilla County forced evacuation notices and a highway closure tonight (Thursday). UPDATE: The Snake Fire is now referred to as the Battle Mountain Complex.
The Umatilla County Emergency Operations Center issued a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for the area west of Highway 395 south of Ukiah and Dale along the area around the North Fork of the John Day River and Camas Creek north of the Umatilla County line. Two search and rescue teams were spreading the word door to door.
The center said people evacuating the area should travel southbound on Highway 395, pay attention to the surroundings, and adjust accordingly.
A Level 1 (GET READY) notice was also issued for the city of Ukiah. UCSO Capt. Sterrin Ward said the fire is moving very quickly.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed U.S. 395B between the junction of OR 244 at milepost 50 to Long Creek at milepost 90 due to a wildfire. That closure is expected to last through the night. We will post updates when we receive them.
Photo of the Snake Fire Level 3 evacuation area
