8/20/15 Grizzly Bear Complex Update (Southeast Washington/Northeast Oregon - Umatilla National Forest)

Grizzly Bear Complex Update Level Three Evacuations Issued

Pendleton, Ore: The Grizzly Bear Complex Fire made a significant run to the east this afternoon pushed by sustained winds of 10 MPH and gusts up to 25 MPH. The plume is now visible from La Grande, Oregon, Walla Walla, Washington and surrounding communities.

A Level Three Evacuation notice has been issued by Wallowa, Garfield and Asotin County officials for the Eden Bench, Troy and Grouse Flat communities. Level Three Evacuation means danger is currently affecting your area or is imminent, and you should LEAVE IMMEDIATLY. Forest officials have recommended a Level One evacuation notice for the outlying communities north and east to Anatone, Washington.

Firefighter and public safety remains our number one priority. A Type 2 Incident Management Team is currently being inbriefed.

Smoke continues to be an issue in the Pacific Northwest. To monitor the air quality index, the public can access the Department of Environmental Quality’s website for Washington atwww.fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/ and Oregon atwww.deq.state.or.us/aqi.

Fire and closure information for the Grizzly Bear Complex is available through several social media outlets including:

InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4511/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF

Twitter: @UmatillaNF

Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla/