Passing Thunderstorms Ignite Multiple Fires in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington

JOHN DAY, PENDLETON, BAKER CITY, LA GRANDE, PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Fire crews in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington are responding to multiple reports of smoke and fire following passing thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and overnight. Approximately 34 confirmed incidents have been reported to the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center, John Day Interagency Dispatch Center and Burns Interagency Communication Center.

Of these confirmed incidents, most of them are staffed and being actively suppressed. Additional smoke reports are likely to be detected throughout the next few days as temperatures warm and fire activity increases. Aerial reconnaissance and fire lookouts are assisting with detection efforts. A red flag warning is in effect today for north-central Oregon and south-central Washington for strong winds.

Currently, fire danger in the Blue Mountains ranges from HIGH to EXTREME. Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect. Regulated closures have also been implemented on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.

Please call 911 to report a wildfire.

For more information about Fire Danger Levels, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and Public Use Restrictions, please contact:

ODF, Northeast Oregon District ODF, Central Oregon District

Phone: (541) 963-3168 or (541) 786-2039 Phone: (541) 263-0661