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.