7/18/2024 Pilot Rock Fire Update

 

Firefighters make progress on Pilot Rock Fire in Umatilla County

Posted on July 18, 2024

Local crews worked overnight with assistance from mutual aid resources and a state-requested immediate response taskforce to control the Pilot Rock/Juniper Canyon fire. Crews completed burnouts around the fire to secure homes, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Courtesy: Pendleton Local Firefighters

QUICK FACTS
19,000 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Total Personnel: 83
Overhead: 22
Engines: 26
Water Tenders: 5

The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Wednesday night around 9:30 p.m., which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize structural fire resources to protect life and property. The state fire marshal activated the green incident management team and more task forces around the state. Task forces responded from Benton, Polk, Clatsop, and Marion counties. A Umatilla County task force was able to stay on the fire and assist.

We’d like to recognize all the local fire departments, neighboring county mutual aid, Sheriff Rowan, and county emergency management staff for an excellent response to protect local communities, homes, and properties during very challenging fire conditions,” Green Team Incident Commander Lance Lighty said. “It was an excellent coordinated and effective response.”

OSFM resources will work throughout the day on Friday to secure the fire perimeter and extinguish any additional fires discovered because of this lightning event. Air resources remain available in the region to assist firefighters on the ground.

Stay informed on updated evacuation alerts here:
https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff

Shelters are set up at Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate in Pendleton, and Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd in John Day. The Pilot Rock Fire is located four miles southwest of Pilot Rock, OR, and was first reported on Wed, July 17, just after 4 p.m. The cause was lightning.