Fire near Helix results in engine loss for Milton-Freewater Rural Fire, firefighter treated and released

HELIX – Multiple agencies responded to a fire that began in a wheat field near Helix on Monday afternoon.

East Umatilla Fire and Rescue (EUFR) said they responded to the area near Vanscycle and Juniper Canyon Roads at 2:32 p.m. Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department (MFRFD), Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, Walla Walla Fire District 4, Walla Walla Fire District 8 and the Walla Walla Fire Department all responded.

Two residences were evacuated, and firefighters worked to protect three structures while trying to stop the fire from spreading. Pacific Power de-energized some of its power lines due to the fire. 42 residences were affected with outages that began at 4:12 p.m., their power was restored at 1:18 a.m.

EUFR says MFRFD lost a type six engine in a burn-over, and a firefighter was treated and released at a local hospital for smoke inhalation.

As of the most recent update from EUFR the fire was still ongoing and is under investigation. They expressed thanks to all of the responding agencies, as well as the multiple who assisted with discs and water tenders.

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