Oregon Department of Forestry - Central Oregon District

 ODF:  Wildfire Update

[John Day, Ore.]  Firefighters continue to make progress on fires in Oregon Department of Forestry’s John Day Unit.  The Lewis Rock Fire and Bologna Fire were sparked by passing thunderstorms Wednesday.  Additional “holdover” fires are anticipated from these storms as fuels dry and temperatures remain warm. 

Firefighters completed fireline on the Lewis Rock Fire Friday, and reached 29% containment for the fire.  Late in the day three Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and a heavy airtanker were used to knock down a flare up inside the fire perimeter. Firefighters began plumbing fire hose around the fire to distribute water for mop-up activities.  The fire is estimated to be 70 acres.

The evacuation level for residences near the fire on Dollarhide Road have been reduced to Level 1.  The town of Mitchell and surrounding community remain on a level 1 evacuation notice.  For further information and current evacuation status visit the Wheeler County Sheriff’s facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice.

Friday firefighters completed fireline around 70% of the Bologna Fire.  The fire has burned approximately 140 acres of grass and juniper near Spray.  Helicopters were used Friday to control spotfires outside the fire caused by rolling fire debris.  Today five crews will be assigned to 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.