E. Oregon wildfire explodes; I-84 reopens after closure
The new Lime Hill Fire closed a stretch of Interstate 84 in Eastern Oregon for hours late Wednesday as it grew substantially, BLM officials said.. The fire was just a few miles west of Huntington after racing across more than 7,000 acres since being reported earlier in the day.
As a precaution, the city of Huntington northwest of Ontario , which has about 450 residents, issued a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice and Interstate 84 was closed between Ontario and Pendleton. Additionally, the Durbin Creek Road between Huntington and Mormon Basin Road were closed for a time.
There were 18 engines on site, along with three water tenders, three bulldozers and a Type 2 initial attack crew. There also were numerous air assets as well, including Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), heavy air tankers and helicopters.
Bob Narus, BLM Vale District fire management officer, said he was optimistic they could prevent escalation of the fire into full-fledged evacuation, but advised caution.
“So far, we’ve been able to hold the highway,” Narus said Wednesday evening, “but Huntington is still under threat.”
The freeway reopened late Wednesday night, but travelers were urged to drive with extra caution and watch for crews near the fire scene.
The High Desert Type 3 Team, comprised of fire personnel from the BLM’s Burns and Vale Districts, was ordered and expected to be taking command of the fire Thursday morning.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Vale BLM officials are investigating.
If you see or suspect a wildfire, call the Vale BLM Fire Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295. For more information on reporting wildfires in Malheur and Baker counties, as well as Northeast Oregon, visit http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale/fire/report-fire.php.
