Progress made on Juniper Canyon fire

UMATILLA COUNTY – Umatilla County Emergency Manager Sage DeLong says progress has been made on the Juniper Canyon fire that started on Thursday south of U.S. Highway 730 between Oregon Highway 37 and the Oregon/Washington border.

The fire is burning in a mix of Bureau of Land Management land and unprotected private property. This required Umatilla County Emergency Management to work with Oregon Emergency Management to activate Emergency Support Function 4, allowing the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to assume management of the fire.

On Friday ODF and the United States Forest Service (USFS) worked side-by-side utilizing aircraft which DeLong said that given the difficult topography was critical in slowing the fire’s advance. Local farmers and ranchers also used discs and dozers to construct fire lines.

“Their quick action and strong partnership with fire officials have been essential in protecting homes and land,” said DeLong.

No acreage estimate was given but DeLong said the acreage has fluctuated as crews are working through steep and rugged terrain. A more accurate acreage estimate will be determined once detailed mapping is completed

Residents and those traveling through the area should expect a strong presence of firefighters and apparatus in the area. Currently there are no closures or evacuation orders in place.

“Umatilla County extends its gratitude to ODF, USFS, and the farming and ranching community for their extraordinary efforts to protect property, livelihoods, natural resources, and community safety,” said DeLong.

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Elkhorn Media Group