Vale Bureau of Land Management works to suppress 2 rangeland fires

Vale, Or-Vale Bureau of Land Management is working to suppress two rangeland fires that started Friday, Aug. 19.  

The Hat Top Fire 13 miles SE of Juntura, Ore., is the larger of the two fires at 1200 acres. Road access to the fire is limited, but aerial resources are utilizing retardant drops and bucket drops to assist ground resources in extinguishing the fire.  

The Sag Fire 4 miles SE of Halfway, Ore., is now in the mop-up phase. Engine crews remain on scene.  

We would like to remind folks enjoying their public lands that although our days are getting shorter and nights are cooler, hot and dry conditions persist. Grass and brush are critically dry, making vegetation susceptible to a fire start, with even just one spark!  

Fire restrictions are in effect for all Vale District BLM-protected lands, which includes Bureau of Reclamation lands around the Owyhee Dam. More information on fire restrictions can be found at www.blm.gov/orwafire  or by calling 541-473-3144.