8/16/2020 Indian Creek Fire Update

 

Heavy air resources assigned to Indian Creek Fire response

VALE, Ore. – Nine aircraft were dropping retardant to slow the Indian Creek Fire's progression Sunday afternoon while Vale Bureau of Land Management ground resources were being mobilized.

The fire was reported at Jonesboro about 12:45 p.m. burning northwest of Hwy. 20 outside Juntura. Its cause is under investigation. 

A combination of air and ground resources were dispatched immediately. Juntura Rangeland Fire Protection Association is assisting with the response, along with 6 single engine air tankers (SEATs), 3 large air tankers, air attack, 10 engines, two hand crews and 3 bulldozers.

At 6:30 p.m. the fire was estimated to be a thousand acres in size. Heavy winds kicked up about 8:30 p.m., sending embers flying and crews scrambling to extinguish spot fires. By 9 p.m., the fire had grown to 5,000 acres.

The High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire Monday. Fire managers will continue assessing the situation and resource needs throughout the night.

"We won't hesitate to go ahead and call in a Type 2 team if we think it's needed," Assistant Fire Management Officer Tracy Skerjanic said, noting that extreme fire conditions are expected to continue the next several days.

The fire burned around the Burns Paiute Ranch, but no structures were damaged. It is burning primarily on Vale BLM-managed lands in priority habitat for Greater sage-grouse.

Fire conditions are extreme, meaning even a very small spark can ignite vegetation, and fire restrictions are in place throughout southeast Oregon. 

Residents and the public are encouraged to check the fire restrictions in place for their area before starting a fire, smoking outdoors, or using equipment that could cause a spark.

Restrictions for state and federally-protected lands, including privately-owned property outside of a fire district, can be found at http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml For local fire districts, check with the local fire department.