News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: July 10th, 2015 11:38 AM
This is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Update for Friday, July 10, 2015.
Widespread thunderstorms and lightning moved throughout much of Oregon yesterday and last night, igniting numerous small fires on forestlands throughout Oregon, including those protected by ODF. Some of that lightning came with some precipitation, which is predicted to continue as an overall cooler weather pattern moves into and throughout much of Oregon. Cooling and minor amounts of rainfall have not appreciably decreased fire danger, however, and the public is still urged to continue to be fire-safe while enjoying or working in Oregon’s fires.
FIRES ON ODF-PROTECTED LANDS
(Initial Report): Northeast Oregon District – Pendleton Unit: Firefighters from around the area have responded to a fire ignited by a thunderstorm on Thursday evening on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla (CTUIR). The Table Rock Fire, burning approximately 8 miles northeast of Pilot Rock, was estimated at 400 acres. This morning, the fire is 100 percent lined and in mop-up. The fire suppression is being led by ODF, with firefighters and/or equipment assisting from Helix, Echo, Stanfield, and Pilot Rock Rural Fire Departments, Pendleton Fire Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, CTUIR Tribal Fire, and Umatilla National Forest. Burning in mostly grass and brush, this morning the fire is 100 percent lined and in mop-up. Unless the situation warrants more reports, this will be the only report on this fire. More information: http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com
(Updated Report): North Cascade District – Santiam Unit: The Niagara Fire, reported on July 4 burning on state forestlands adjacent to Highway 22 near Big Cliff Dam, remains at approximately 79 acres and is now estimated as 85 percent contained, with full containment expected around Monday (July 13). Approximately 120 firefighting personnel remained on this fire late yesterday afternoon, however resources continue to be released as the fire is more fully contained. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. More information: http://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/.
FIRE STATISTICS*
Fire statistics are for the current year and the average over the past 10 years for the 16 million acres of private and public forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
January 1, 2015 through July 10, 2015:
Lightning-caused fires: 130 fires burned 1,014 acres
Human-caused fires: 329 fires burned 673 acres
Total: 459 fires burned 1,687 acres
10-year average (January 1 through July 10):
Lightning-caused fires: 53 fires burned 501 acres
Human-caused fires: 223 fires burned 1,428 acres
Total: 276 fires burned 1,949 acres
Fire statistics can be accessed any time from the ODF website.
*When personnel are heavily engaged in firefighting activities, the latest information may not always appear in the statistics.
NEWS MEDIA
News media may contact the Fire Information Duty Officer, who is currently Jeri Chase, 503-945-7201 (office), 503-931-2721 (mobile), or Jeri.Chase@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.
ABOUT THIS UPDATE
This update provides information primarily about fires on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands involving fires 10 acres or larger. ODF proves 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 effort on major fires outside its authority because sharing firefighting resources can help better protect all of Oregon’s forests.
