7/14/2014 7:20 PM White River Fire 65 Percent Contained

July 14, 2014       7:20 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE - WHITE RIVER FIRE

Crews working in the steep White River Canyon completed the two remaining segments of fire line around the 570-acre White River Fire early this afternoon. The fire line completely encircles the fire and mop-up is proceeding satisfactorily inside the fire line, prompting Incident Commander John Buckman to declare the fire 65 percent contained tonight.

More than 90 firefighters are assigned to night shift. Their objectives are to continue mopping up inside the north and south fire lines. Night shift crews do not work inside the White River Canyon due to safety concerns. The crews are supported by two engines and one bulldozer.

Tonight, crews will also be adding to or moving existing hose lines so the mop-up operation can proceed deeper into the fire's interior.

A firefighter working inside the canyon on the fire's northeast side suffered a heat-related illness during the afternoon and was transported by helicopter to a hospital in The Dalles for treatment. The firefighter responded quickly to treatment and was released.

As wildfire activity picks up in central Oregon, the incident management team in charge of the White River Fire's suppression has agreed to support the local Oregon Department of Forestry unit, located in The Dalles, with initial attack fire suppression resources should new fires break out inside the unit's protection area. Assistance could include engines, helicopters and firefighters to keep newly reported fires from escaping initial attack.

Contact: Brian Ballou, public information officer, (541) 621-4156

OREGON DEPT OF FORESTRY
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 1