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.