Green Ridge Fire burns in Blues

PENDLETON, Ore.-The Green Ridge Fire, burning approximately 30 miles east of Walla Walla, continues to challenge firefighters as they battle rough terrain and compete against perfect fire weather conditions.

As of Tuesday, July 13, the fire had burned approximately 338 acres in the Pomeroy Ranger District, jumping more than 100 acres over a 24-hour period. Currently, there are ten hand crews fighting the fire, six engines, and three water tenders. Northwest Incident Management Team 7 took over incident command on Tuesday.

"Northeast Oregon Type 3 team did a tremendous job," said information officer Nick DiGiacco. "They worked really hard, and set us up for success."

On Tuesday morning, the fire was reported to be 10% contained.

According to information provided by the Umatilla National Forest, an immediate temporary area and route closure in the entire Pomeroy Ranger District, including Forest Service Roads 46, 4608, 4610, 47, 4712, 4713, and Turkey Creek, Teepee, Meadow Creek, Mt. Misery, Rattlesnake, Panjab, and Tucannon has been implemented. Midway, Godman, and Panjab campgrounds are currently closed, as well as the Godman Ranger Station.

"Fire season is upon us a little early this year," said DiGiacco. "It doesn't look like it is going away anytime soon. We really are seeing unprecedented fire conditions."

DiGiacco said that resources seem to be limited already, even this early in the fire season. According to Inciweb, there are nearly 20 fires burning in Washington and Idaho at this time.

The Green Ridge Fire is comprised of two separate wildfires, the Green Ridge Fire and Turkey Trail Fire, which are both burning in steep, rugged Blue Mountain terrain consisting of mostly timber, grass, and shrubs.

Over the weekend, fire behavior consisted of active upslope runs, spotting, and torching. Steep ground with rolling rocks and burning material continues to add to the fire's growth and has made fire containment difficult for crews on the scene. Helicopters and air tankers have aided firefighters in slowing down the spread.

In an update on Sunday, Forest officials shared that firefighters have secured the southern edges of both fires. Crews are continuing to build containment lines where terrain and fuel allow them to safely engage with the blaze. Aircraft support will continue to help slow the spread and cool hotspots within the fire perimeter. A burnout operation will be conducted on the southern edge of the Turkey Trail Fire to remove fire fuel and further secure that containment line.

DiGiacco said that, at this time, there are no immediate concerns that the Lick Creek Fire (formerly known as the Dry Gulch Fire) will connect with or impact the Green Ridge Fire.

"We understand the concern from the communities," he shared. "Dry Gulch Fire, now the Lick Creek Fire, is not one of the concerns at the moment."

Community meetings for the Lick Creek Fire have taken place in Pomeroy. Fire updates are shared daily on Facebook, via the Umatilla National Forest page.

According to UNF officials, fire crews had successfully completed structure protection work around the Godman Guard Station and the Turkey Trail Recreation Residents tract. Additional information about the Green Ridge Fire is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/.

Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating is EXTREME and public use restrictions involving chainsaw use, smoking and off-road travel are in effect.

Prevention Message from Incident Command: This fire season is very early and very dangerous and shows no signs of letting up. Firefighting resources are already stretched thin. This fire and many others burning in the region are extremely persistent on the land, requiring a marathon effort from firefighters. The same persistent effort is required from the public to assure their personal safety and to prevent any new ignitions. Firefighters need your help getting us all through this marathon fire season safely.

Many community members have expressed an immense amount of support, asking what kind of donations firefighters need. DiGiacco said that, foodwise, fire crews have what they need for the time being. All meals are provided for the crews, with DiGiacco saying that he highly recommends donating food to local food banks or pantries.

"What really goes a long way are posters," DiGiacco said. "Posting around town, saying thank you or showing appreciation really boosts morale for the firefighters."

Daily updates will be available to view at Ten Ton Coffee.

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest:

Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663

http://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF

Twitter: @UmatillaNF