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The Dalles Office Closed

Snow and inclement weather in the Columbia River Gorge has closed the Department of Forestry Office in The Dalles this afternoon. For updates on closures for State Offices and buildings visit: www.oregon.gov/das/Pages/buildingclosure.aspx

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Spread Stopped on Wind Driven Fire Near Tygh Valley

[The Dalles, Ore.] Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District responded Sunday to an escaped debris burn near Tygh Valley.  Strong winds pushed the Shadybrook Fire through grass and other light fuels, spreading into oak and brush in some of the surrounding draws.  The Department of Forestry was assisted by U.S. Forest Service resources and a dozer from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Firefighters from Tygh Valley, Wamic and Juniper Flat Fire Departments also responded to suppress the fire.  Fireline...

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Fire Season Ends for Department of Forestry Protected Lands in Central Oregon District

[Prineville, Ore.] – The Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will terminate fire season as of 12:01 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2018.  Continued cool moist weather over the last few weeks has significantly reduced the fire danger within the Central Oregon District.  Fuel conditions in Central Oregon are heavily influenced by weather patterns, and while the risk is diminished erratic winds and lack of precipitation can quickly cause a rise in fire danger.  Monitoring weather forecasts, following prevention tips such as...

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Oregon Department of Forestry Terminates Regulated Closure Restrictions

[Prineville, Ore.] – Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will terminate the Regulated Use Closure in effect for lands within the District at 12:01 a.m. on October 9, 2018.  Cooler fall weather combined with precipitation over the weekend has reduced the need for these restrictions.  Fire Season remains in effect for the District.  While the risk of ignitions from certain activities is diminished there is still the potential for fires to start or become out of control based on current fuel conditions.  Campfires/warming fires...

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Reduced restrictions for lands protected by Department of Forestry in Central Oregon District

[Prineville, Ore.] – Regulated Closure restrictions on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will be reduced as of 12:01 a.m. on September 12, 2018.  These restrictions are intended to limit human caused fires, which represent nearly 60% of the fires in the District this year.  Fuel conditions are still very dry for this time of year and have the potential for rapid fire growth as recent fires have exhibited.  Cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and shorter days have significant influence on fire behavior and...

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Westcliff Fire Update

[Hood River, Ore.]  Steep, rugged terrain has slowed mop-up work on the Westcliff Fire.  Today firefighters held the fire within the containment lines, and were able to improve control to 75%.   Evacuation orders were reduced today, however some areas remain under a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation.  Updates are available from the Hood River County Sheriff at www.facebook.com/hrcso/. Safety is the highest priority.  Because of the cliffy nature of the terrain firefighters are being extra cautious in their actions on the fire. ...

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Westcliff Fire

[Hood River, Ore.]  This morning firefighters from Oregon Department of Forestry, Hood River Fire and Rescue, and Mosier Fire are working to contain the Westcliff Fire.  The fire is located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive, between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River.  Hood River County Sheriff has implemented evacuations for residents in the area of the fire.  Visit www.facebook.com/hrcso/ for updates. The fire was reported just after midnight Sunday morning, spreading from a structure into the wildland.  Currently the fire is...

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Memaloose #2 Fire

News Release:  Memaloose #2 Saturday August 11, 2018 11:00 a.m. Contact:  Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry     541-263-0661       The Memaloose #2 Fire was reported late Friday evening burning on the south side of Interstate 84 near the eastbound Memaloose Rest Area.  Initial attack resources worked through the night as the wind pushed the fire east in light fuels.  Unified command has been established between Oregon Department of Forestry, Mosier Fire and Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge...

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Allen Creek Fire Update

Prineville, OR –This morning firefighters on the Allen Creek Fire are reporting 100% containment for the fire.  Yesterday crews focused on finding and extinguishing heat and flames adjacent to the fireline to keep the fire inside the existing perimeter.  In many areas they were able to mop-up more than 100 feet into the interior of the fire.  With a forecast of increasing heat this week fire managers are focusing efforts on the fire to ensure that the fire will not rekindle or move outside containment lines.  Gordon Foster, Prineville Unit...

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Allen Creek Fire Update

Public information contact for the Allen Creek Fire is Laura York-541-447-5658 Prineville, OR – Firefighters responded to a new incident located approximately 10 miles north of Prineville, near Allen Creek Road.  The fire, burning in grass and brush, was reported at 11:23 a.m. on August 5, 2018.  The fire is currently under investigation. Local resources responded with initial attack that included, four Oregon Department of Forestry engines, two U.S. Forest Service engines, four hand crews, four dozers, three water tenders, two Single Engine Air Tankers...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Update

Contact:  Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry                    541-263-0661                    Darcy Weseman, Umatilla National Forest                    541-278-3722 [Morrow County, Ore.] Firefighters have completed mop up operations on the Wilson Prairie Fire located near the Morrow County Off...

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Untitled Post

South Valley Fire [Dufur, Ore.] The South Valley Fire was reported Wednesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m., burning in ponderosa pine, oak, and wheat, southwest of Dufur, Oregon on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands.  Dry fuels and steady winds have contributed to the fire’s spread.   It is currently estimated at 10,000 acres.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. Governor Kate Brown has invoked the Conflagration Act in response to the fire’s threat to homes and infrastructure. Tonight Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM)...

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Untitled Post

News Release:  Area and Road Closures Reduced on the Wilson Prairie Fire Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 Contact:  Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry                    541-263-0661                    Darcy Weseman, Umatilla National Forest                    541-278-3722 [Morrow County, Ore.] Umatilla...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Update July 31, 2018

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 31, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. This will be the last update from the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8 (NWIIMT8). This will be the last on the Wilson Prairie Fire unless conditions change.  The local units will provide any updated information. NWIIMT8 would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the community, cooperators, agency staff, and firefighters for the unwavering support during our management of the Wilson Prairie...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Update July 30, 2018

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 30, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. Special Announcements: A Community Meeting is planned for this evening, July 30th at 5:00 pm at the Heppner Ranger Station at 117 South Main Street.  Fire managers will provide a fire update with maps and an opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentations. If you are unable to attend, this meeting will be live streamed through Periscope.  Please download the app, create an account and “follow”...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Update 7-29

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 29, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. Starting today only one update will be generated and posted in the morning from the Wilson Prairie Fire. The Morrow County Off-Highway Vehicle Park and Campground is currently open, however some trails may be impacted by the fire activity.  Please observe all trail and area closures. Current Fire Information: Firefighters completed containment lines around all perimeters of the fire. Hose lays have been installed completely...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Evening Update July 28, 2018

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 28, 2018 - 9:00 P.M. Current Fire Information: Firefighters completed the containment line on the east perimeter of the fire in the Porter Creek area. Hose lays have been installed and mop up has begun.  Mop up has progressed in other areas of the fire, advancing into the interior 20-50 feet.  The small interior islands of unburned fuels have been isolated with focused mop up around the perimeters. Acreage: 437 Containment: 50% Fire Information...

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Untitled Post

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 28, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. Smoke from a large fire to the west has drifted into the local area.  Those with sensitivity concerns should take appropriate precautions.  For more information on air quality please visit: http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ/AQ/Pages/index.aspx   http://www.airnow.gov/ The Morrow County Off-Highway Vehicle Park and Campground is currently open, however some trails may be impacted by the fire activity.  Please observe all...

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Untitled Post

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 27, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. Special Announcements: A Community Meeting is planned for this evening, July 27th at 5:00 pm at the Heppner City Hall at 111 North Main Street.  Fire managers will provide a fire update with maps and an opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentations. If you are unable to attend, this meeting will be live streamed through Periscope.  Please download the app, create an account and “follow” NWIMT8....

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Untitled Post

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 26, 2018 - 9:00 P.M. A Community Meeting is planned for Friday, July 27th at 5:00 pm at the Heppner City Hall at 111 North Main Street.  Fire managers will provide a fire update with maps and an opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentations. All are welcome to attend. Special Announcements: Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson, assumed management of the Wilson Prairie Fire this...

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Untitled Post

Wilson Prairie Fire Update Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander: Doug Johnson July 26, 2018 - 9:00 A.M. Special Announcements: Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson, assumed management of the Wilson Prairie Fire this morning at 6:00 am.  The fire is burning in timber and grass on private lands, protected by Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Umatilla National Forest.  The incident command post (ICP) and helibase are located at the Morrow County OHV Park northeast of Spray,...

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Wilson Prairie Fire Evening Update July 25, 2018

Contact: Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry                541-263-0661                Darcy Weseman, Umatilla National Forest                541-278-3722 [Morrow County, Ore.] Fire behavior increased late yesterday afternoon on the Wilson Prairie Fire, resulting in the fire moving outside the fireline on the southern portion of the fire.  The fire, pushed by afternoon winds and warm temperatures spotted across the retardant...

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