Wildfire, Umatilla Co.
Oregon State Fire Marshal release – SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized a helicopter through an agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry to help stop a fast-moving wildfire near Hat Rock in Umatilla County. Umatilla County Fire District #1 firefighters say they were dispatched to the fire along Highway 730 just before 11 a.m. Tuesday. A section of Highway 730 is closed. As of 2:30 p.m., the fire was estimated to be 1,200 acres. The fire district is reporting Hat Rock State Park is under a level 2 evacuation notice, which means to have go bags ready in your vehicle. Firefighters are being challenged by gusty winds and low relative humidity. The National Weather Service in Pendleton has a Red Flag Warning in place for the Lower Columbia River Basin until 9:00 p.m. The OSFM asks everyone to pay attention to these conditions and take the necessary precautions to avoid sparking a fire. The OSFM is in contact with the local fire agencies and continues to evaluate the need for additional support. For more information, please monitor the Umatilla County Fire District #1 social media channels.
Hat Rock & Mt. Hebron Wildfires
Oregon State Fire Marshal release – SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is mobilizing six task forces and an incident management team to Umatilla County as firefighters battle two fast-moving wildfires. Tuesday evening, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Hat Rock fire and Mount Hebron fire to provide these additional resources. Level 2 evacuation orders are in place through the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office for the Hat Rock fire, and some residents self-evacuated due to the fire activity on the Mount Hebron fire. Local fire officials have confirmed some outbuildings were lost in the Mount Hebron fire. “The Hat Rock and Mount Hebron fires have been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Umatilla County. The local firefighting resources from three counties have been battling both fires since they began mid-day June 13,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With the red flag warning in place, the OSFM is mobilizing additional resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to help the local fire service agencies on scene.” In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response. The OSFM’s Green Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume command. The six task forces are coming from other counties around the state through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.