Pomeroy-managed Umatilla Forest closed as Green Ridge Fire continues
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The Lick Creek Fire, shown here on July 9, grew moderately on Sunday, July 11, gaining approximately 8,703 acres, according to the USFS. Extreme dryness and high temperatures causes all fuel types–grasses, foreest litter and downed trees–to readily accept fire. As fire behavior and weather allow, crews are burning out to consume fuels along FS Road 42 near Iron Springs Road, working toward Clearwater lookout, to strengthen the containment lines. In anticipation of increasing westerly winds later in the week which may push the fire eastward, firefighters are scouting to locate alternate fire lines along the eastern flank of the fire.
PENDLETON, Ore.–Firefighters continue battling the Green Ridge Fire burning on the Pomeroy Ranger District, approximately 30 miles east of Walla Walla, Wash., with some containment at Turkey Tail as of 11 a.m. July 12. In addition, all Umatilla National Forest lands managed by the Pomeroy Ranger District were closed in an early morning closure order issued July 12.
Fires were started when from lightning activity July 7.
The objective of the closure is to proactively protect public and firefighter safety as the Forest continues to actively suppress wildfires on the Ranger District, while also responding to new holdover fires following last week's thunderstorm. Hot and dry conditions have challenged firefighters the past several days in suppression efforts battling the Dry Gulch and Green Ridge Fires on the Pomeroy Ranger District.
The 228-acre Green Ridge Fire is comprised of two wildfires burning in steep, rugged terrain, consisting of mostly timber, grass and shrubs. Included are any structures in the area.
Fire containment line has been established as of Monday of this week and firefighters will strengthen these containment lines by using hose lay to mop up and cool hot spots adjacent to the line construction.
Crews will be conducting a burn out operation on the southern edge of the Turkey Tail Fire to secure that edge of the fire. Where terrain and fuels allow crews to safely engage, firefighters will also continue building containments lines on the northern edge of Turkey Tail.
-Submitted photo
Firefighting helicopters conducted water-drop operations in the battle against fire and terrain in the Green Ridge-Turkey Tail Fire on Sunday.
Fire behavior on consisted of active upslope runs, spotting and torching. Steep ground with rolling rocks and burning material is adding to fire growth and containment difficulties. The Turkey Tail Fire was the most active Sunday and spread into Turkey Creek. Firefighters completed line construction on the eastern side of Turkey Tail and continued preparing indirect lines as contingency lines on the southern end of the fire.
Crews also installed hose lay to conduct mop up and cool hot spots adjacent to areas where line construction had been completed. Firefighters also completed the structure protection work around Godman Guard Station and the Turkey Tail Recreation Residents tract. The Green Ridge Fire was less active yesterday and has containment lines around 50% of the fire.
Currently, resources on scene include ten hand crews, six engines, three water tenders and one dozer. Additional resources are on order.
