Vale BLM working to suppress fires east of I-84
By Mindy Gould on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
VALE(Released by Vale BLM)- Vale Bureau of Land Management fire personnel are responding to a cluster of lightning starts east of Interstate 84 between Crandall and Richland called the Badlands Complex.
The complex includes Crandall, Gold Creek, Thompson, North Thompson, Wood Creek, Williams Creek, Daly, Sheep Mountain, Chalk, Timber Canyon, Powder and Coyote.
As of this morning, the Thompson, North Thompson, Crandall and Gold Creek fires have merged 5 miles east of Durkee and were estimated to total 10,000 acres.
The Coyote Fire is located between the Snake River and Snake River Road 5 miles southeast of Richland and was estimated at 1500 acres.
The Daly Fire 11 miles northeast of Durkee and the Chalk Fire 5 miles south/southwest of Richland were contained Monday evening.
These are developing incidents, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Any and all wildfire starts on public or private land should be reported by calling 911.
Fire restrictions are in place district-wide, including the Malheur and Baker Field Offices and Bureau of Reclamation-managed lands around the Owyhee Dam.
Open fires of any sort are banned. Campers and other visitors can use liquefied and bottle-gas stoves and heaters within an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.
Operating a motor vehicle off existing routes or on roads where dried vegetation may touch the undercarriage is also prohibited, as is the use of chain saws or blow torches, or cutting, grinding or welding metal.
For more information about current fire restrictions within Vale District BLM-protected lands, go to https://on.doi.gov/3zs2otL or call 541-473-3144.
