Wildfire burns over 900 acres near John Day River

Officials say blaze was human-caused

MORO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A human-caused wildfire burned more than 900 acres on the John Day River in north-central Oregon, but crews expected to have it contained Thursday evening, officials said.

The Rock Creek Fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald Crossing and grew quickly, officials said. It burned 907 acres of private and Prineville District BLM-managed land before firefighters stopped its forward progress.

BLM firefighters were on scene, along with the North Gilliam Rural Fire Protection District. They were helped by cool overnight temperatures, which helped to moderate fire behavior and stop its spread.

Firefighters on Thursday continued mopping up the fire's perimeter, working toward containment by 6 p.m.

"As a reminder, conditions in Central Oregon are already warm and dry," fire officials said in a news release.

"Make sure campfires are contained within existing fire rings and that the surrounding area is clear of combustible material at least 15 feet from the campfire ring," they said. "Ensure campfires are dead out and cold to the touch when left."