Firefighters battled a 40-acres brush fire in Hermiston for several hours Thursday afternoon.
Crews from Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 were called to a brush fire on Geer Road off W. Punkin Center Road just before 3:30 p.m. The fire threatened homes and structures. Residents on Geer Road and W. Hensel Road were being evacuated. Residents living on River Road and Punkin Center Road were put on evacuation notice.
A total of 17 units battled the blaze before it was contained around 6:51 pm. with evacuation orders being lifted. Crews remained on the scene into the evening for mop up. Mutual aid was provided by Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District, the Echo Fire Department, the Irrigon Fire Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance and the Boardman Fire Rescue District.
No injuries were reported.
Why so many fires