120-acre wildfire breaks out SW of Heppner

The Wilson Prairie Fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon burning on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands within the Morrow County Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park.

The fire is located about 23 miles southwest of Heppner. As of Monday evening, the fire was estimated at 120 acres, burning in grass, brush and timber.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. There are currently no evacuations or closures in place around the fire, officials said Monday night.

Aerial resources, including five Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), two Type 2 helicopters and two large air tankers were engaged on the fire until they were no longer able to fly due to civil twilight restrictions.

The SEATs and large air tankers were dropping retardant around the fire perimeter, effectively boxing in the fire along existing roads and “two track” OHV trails. Dozers were working adjacent to the retardant to reinforce the fire line. They were working late into the night to take advantage of cooler temperatures and increased humidity.

Firefighters are supporting the operation with hose lays, cooling fuels near the perimeter and strengthening portions of the fire line inaccessible with the dozers.

ODF’s Central Oregon District is being assisted on this fire by resources from the Umatilla National Forest and the Morrow County OHV Park.

Year-to-date, ODF’s Central Oregon Districtm which encompasses 2.3 million acres of state, county and private land in 12 counties, has responded to 41 human-caused fires, six more than the 10-year average for this time period. hese fires have burned over 200 acres.

Dry fuel conditions throughout the region, combined with continued hot and dry weather in the forecast, have the potential for rapid fire growth. Regulated Closure is in effect for ODF’s Central Oregon District. Specific restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com.