ODF FIRE UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015
July 24, 2015
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News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2015 12:32 PM
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
Rye Fire
The lightning-caused Rye Fire is burning near the Oregon / Washington border in grass and brush approximately 38 miles north of Enterprise in Northern Wallowa County, including Nez Perce Precious Lands near the Joseph Canyon area. The nature of the terrain and dry fuel conditions are making control difficult. The fire is estimated at 800 acres and was reported last night.
A local Type 3 incident management team supported by ODF and USFS personnel has taken control of the fire today. By the end of the day there are expected to be approximately 125 personnel on the fire. Additionally, air resources including helicopters, single engine air tankers (SEATs) and heavy air tankers are being utilized to try and minimize the amount of acres burned and damage to natural and cultural resources.
The near-term weather report calls for warm temperatures and a slight chance of more thunderstorms. The public is reminded that ODF is currently in Regulated Use Closure in Northeast Oregon. Fire managers recommend that the public check fire regulations before heading out to enjoy the forest.
NEWS MEDIA
News media may contact the Fire Information Duty Officer, who is currently Cynthia Orlando, 503-945-7421 (office), 503-510-7972 (mobile), or Cynthia.A.Orlando@oregon.gov any time for fire information. If the duty officer is unable to take your call, you can expect a prompt return call.
Media may also call the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters office, 503-945-7200, weekdays during business hours.
OTHER FIRE INFORMATION
For information on wildfires on all jurisdictions in Oregon, view:
* the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center website, or
* the national Incident Information System site.
For information on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands view:
* the department’s blog for news on wildfires statewide and provides current fire statistics.
* the Southwest Oregon District blog with district specific wildfire info, and follow the Twitter feed covering fires as they occur.
* the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog with information about wildfire activity in the Blue Mountain area of NE OR and SE WA.
ABOUT THIS UPDATE
This update provides information primarily about fires on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands involving fires 10 acres or larger. ODF provides fire protection primarily on private and state-owned forestland. The department also provides fire protection on some other lands, including U.S. Bureau of Land Management land in western Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Forestry works closely with neighbors and partner agencies to support the firefighting efforts on major fires outside its authority because sharing firefighting resources can help better protect all of Oregon’s forests.
