Umatilla National Forest fires evening update
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON — Firefighters continue to actively suppress multiple fires across the Umatilla National Forest. With the high temperatures, dry conditions, and lightning strikes from Wednesday July 17, fire officials continue to monitor for new ignitions. Fire suppression coordination and management continues with help from the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Washington Department of Natural Resources along with county and district resources.
The Lone Rock Fire is approximately 77,000 acres with a 10% containment located 10 miles southeast of Condon, Oregon. Significant fire behavior emerged yesterday afternoon, leading to notable fire growth to the south crossing the Heppner Ranger District. A complex incident management team is actively suppressing the fire with ground crews focused on structural protection and fire spread. For current information, please contact the Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369, email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov, or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lone-Rock-Fire-Information/61562972126530/
The Cougar Creek Fire is approximately 4,000 acres and is located twenty-three miles southwest of Asotin, WA. As of last night, the fire has reached the Pomeroy Ranger District near Wenatchee Creek. A complex incident management team took command of the fire this morning with crews working to suppress the fire. For current information, please contact the Fire Information Line: (509) 210-2928 or email: 2024.cougarcreek@firenet.gov
The Battle Mountain Fire Complex totals approximately 2,000 acres with the NF Owens and Snake Fires combined. The fires are located 6 miles northwest and 6 miles southwest of Ukiah, Oregon respectively. The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3 has been deployed to suppress the fire. Dozers and engines are working to suppress the fire along with retardant. The complex has now reached the Ukiah Ranger District on the southeast edge of the Snake Fire.
The Umatilla National Forest is currently working on getting resources to the 3-acre Buck Mountain Fire which is located 21 miles South of Walla Walla, WA. It is 0% contained and located in difficult terrain. Aviation resources, both rotary and fixed wing, are providing retardant and water to actively suppress the fire while crews are working their way in. Fire managers are actively assessing the situation and working on getting resources needed to the fire. Buck Mountain Fire is a different incident than Buck Creek Fire which was 100% contained on July 12, 2024.
Fire officials are responding to 11 other known fire starts across the Umatilla National Forest due to the lightning strikes from yesterday. These range in size from ¼ acre to the 300-acre Monkey Creek Fire. Further information will be made available when conditions are known. Current fire danger rating is at EXTREME and public use restrictions phase B for Umatilla National Forest is in effect.
