Oregon Department of Forestry - Central Oregon District

 Wildfire Update

[John Day, Ore.]  Two new fires were reported on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit on Saturday.  The Mitchell Spring Fire was reported mid-morning approximately eight miles east of Spray and was fully contained and controlled at less than a tenth of an acre by early afternoon.  The Dixie Creek Fire, burning two miles northwest of Prairie City, was reported late in the afternoon on ODF and Prairie City Rural Fire Department protection.

Late Saturday evening the fire was estimated to be 570 acres.  Overnight firefighters were able to establish dozer line around much of the fire and “wet line” areas of flashy, light fuels.  This morning nine engines, two water tenders, two Malhuer National Forest crews, one contract crew, La Grande Interagency Hotshots, seven dozers, and two skidgines are working to strengthen the fireline.  Additional resources arriving today include two contract engines, a skidgine, three hand crews, and three hotshot crews.  Air resources such as helicopters and air tankers are available to support firefighter efforts on the ground.

There is no threat to structures or residences from the fire.  ODF continues to work with the Grant County Sheriff to monitor any changes in fire behavior or direction which could impact homes near the fire.

High Desert Type 3 Team, comprised of personnel from the Malheur National Forest and Vale and Burns Districts Bureau of Land Management, will be integrating with fire management today planning for transitioning fire management Monday morning.

Increased evening wind, pushing from the north, caused spotfires outside the line on the Lewis Rock Fire near Mitchell.  Dozers were used throughout the night to complete fireline around the new fire growth.  Today hand crews, engines and dozers will continue work securing the perimeter.  Aircraft is available to support fire suppression activity.  The fire burned away from Mitchell and the surrounding community.

The Bologna Fire, burning on private ownership and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management lands near Spray is 75% contained.  Today the fire will have one crew and one engine assigned to the fire.  They will be working to find any hot spots within the perimeter and monitoring the fire.

Regulated-Use Closure is in effect for the Central Oregon District.  Fireworks and campfires (including cooking fires) are not allowed within the district boundary.  For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.