FIRE RESTRICTIONS: - Fire Season terminated 12:01 p.m. October 24, 2022.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: - Regulated Closure Terminated for October 14, 2022
IFPL Map MH1 IFPL: - IFPL not in effect MH4 IFPL: - IFPL not in effect
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS: - Terminated for John Day and Prineville Units

Friday, August 5, 2016

Neal Creek Fire—ODF Central Oregon District Update--August 5, 2016


[The Dalles, Ore.]  The Neal Creek Fire was reported around 4:00 PM August 4, burning in dense second growth Douglas-fir on steep terrain approximately eight miles south of Hood River.  The fire is burning on private land protected by ODF’s The Dalles Unit.  SEAT’s and heavy air tankers were used late into the evening to check the spread of the fire and allow firefighters on the ground to flank the fire.  Overnight fire crews were able to establish a handline around the perimeter of the fire.  Today firefighters will strengthen containment lines and work to suppress hot spots adjacent to the fireline. 
Temperatures in the area will be warm today, with winds gusting to 30 mph which could push these containment lines.  Four twenty person hand crews and two engines will be working on the fire today with support from two helicopters using buckets to drop water on hot spots.  The fire has difficult access, firefighters will be establishing hoselays to get water to the interior of the fire for mop-up activities.

The fire is approximately 15 acres in size and is 50% contained.  Over the next few days crews will work to mop-up 100% of the fire.  The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be human caused.
Fuel conditions throughout the Central Oregon District are extreme.  Thunderstorms are expected throughout much of eastern Oregon as a storm system moves through the region.  These storms could ignite fires, further stressing available firefighting resources.  The public is asked to follow all fire prevention measures to limit potential human caused fires.