Multiple agencies made quick work of the Tucker Creek Fire near Keating Valley area
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, August 5th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
KEATING – (From Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On August 3, 2022 at approximately 5:34 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a possible fire near the Keating Valley area. When fire crews arrived, the Tucker Creek Fire was moving quickly and threatening structures. Buzz Harper, Keating Rural Fire Protection District Chief, assumed the role of Incident Commander and requested additional resources.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office deputies performed evacuation notifications along Miles Bridge Road to Houghton Creek Road. A BCSO dispatcher arrived on-scene to manage radio communications for the incident. Dozers and tractors were utilized to dig lines. BLM air resources arrived from Vale and La Grande and dropped retardant and water.
Structure protection units were released at approximately 8:18 p.m. Fire management was then turned over to BLM.
This quick response illustrates the sense of community that is often found in Baker County. Fire agency volunteers, ranchers and neighbors responded at a moment’s notice with tenders, dozers and tractors. This fire was quickly contained with no structure loss, which can be directly attributed to their actions.
We are grateful to the multiple volunteers and agencies that responded, including: Keating Rural FPD, North Powder Rural FPD, Haines Rural FPD, Baker Rural FPD, Pine Valley Rural FPD, Lookout-Glasgow RFPA, USFS, BLM, ODF and OSFM. A special thank you to Keating Rural FPD Chief, Buzz Harper, for taking the lead and effectively managing this incident.
