Crews tackle 700-acre wildfire near John Day River

A new wildfire spotted in steep terrain on the southern bank of the John Day River had grown to about 700 acres by Monday afternoon and was 10 percent contained, fire officials said.

About 140 personnel were on the scene, including eight tankers, six helicopters and engines, to fight the Solitude Fire, first spotted around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, burning along state Highway 19 between Service Creek and Spray, officials said.

The cause of the fire was unknown, officials said, adding that more resources were on the way to assist in the fight.

Five structures are threatened by the fire — a home with barns and outbuildings and four historic cabins, Forest Service spokesman Patrick Lair said Tuesday.

John Day River recreation activities are not affected, but boaters are still allowed in the area, five miles from Spray, Lair said.

Crews were working again Tuesday to contain the fire.

“It’s difficult work, in steep canyon country, with the heat and the wind,” Lair said. “The fire jumped a containment line last night as winds picked up, but they’re working it again.”

The Bureau of Land Management was asking boaters on the river to use caution around helicopters dipping water from the river.

ODOT reported no to minimum delays on Highway 19. Follow updates on our TripCheck page.