Rock Creek Fire, 6 miles Northeast of Sumpter
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY
(From Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Wednesday, Sept 1)
Rock Creek Fire updates: The fire footprint has seen minimal growth in the past 24 hours and is still estimated at 60 acres. Crews are currently working to establish fuel breaks, water pumps, and hose lay with an aim to have the fire fully lined within the next 48 hours. Over 50 personnel are currently assigned to fire, including the La Grande Interagency Hotshots, a crew from the Umatilla National Forest, the Eagle Cap Fire Use Module and Crew 52 from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. For public and firefighter safety, we ask everyone to avoid the upper Rock Creek area until fire suppression operations have concluded. Please contact the Whitman District (541-523-6391) if you have a specific need to enter the upper Rock Creek area.
BAKER COUNTY – (From Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021) On Monday, initial attack resources responded to the Rock Creek Fire burning in the upper third of the Rock Creek drainage, 6 miles northeast of Sumpter, OR. Initial attack resources included helicopters dropping water and air tankers depositing retardant in the surrounding area. This area is rugged and difficult for hand crews to access.
As of today, the fire is reporting at approximately 80 acres, primarily in subalpine fir. The La Grande Interagency Hotshot Crew, Eagle Cap Fire Use Module, and a crew from the Umatilla National Forest are actively engaged with the fire. The Rock Creek Fire remains under investigation.
Please remember Phase B Public Use Restrictions remain in effect across the forest. Campfires are ONLY permitted within fire rings at designated recreation sites (except in the Eagle Cap Wilderness where other specific campfire rules apply). With conditions remaining hot and dry across the forest, visitors are asked to remain mindful of current Public Use Restrictions and fire safety.
State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast Oregon follow separate restrictions. For more information, contact your local ODF office or visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at http://www.bmidc.org.
To learn more about the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, please visit our website (www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman) or contact your local Forest Service office.
