Lone Rock Fire surges towards Wheeler County
By Terry Murry on Monday, July 15th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
EDITOR’S NOTE: There are Level 3 evacuation orders in place for the area. See the latest on the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
PENDLETON — (News release from the Umatilla National Forest) Multiple agencies are responding to the Lone Rock Fire and officials have ordered a Complex Incident Management Team which will transition with the current Type 3 Incident Management Team. The fire is approximately 9 miles northwest of the Bull Prairie Campground and approximately 8 miles northwest of Fairview Campground in Gilliam County but is growing towards Wheeler County.
Forest officials are temporarily closing all Umatilla National Forest Lands, Trails and Roads in Wheeler County, as well as both Bull Prairie and Fairview Campgrounds to ensure public safety. This temporary closure will also ensure the safety of firefighters engaged in operations to suppress the Lone Rock Fire.
The fire, which is currently estimated at 50,000 acres, was reported on Saturday, July 13 and has received a full suppression response involving ground and aviation resources from multiple agencies. The hot temperatures across the region, low humidity and winds have contributed to increased fire behavior and rapid growth. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Extreme heat 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.
Photo via the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office
