Firefighters started battling a brush fire Tuesday afternoon, July 18, in Hermiston. Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 reported crews stayed on the scene overnight to monitor the area for hotspots and will be in the area throughout July 19 with heavy equipment improving lines and mopping up.
The Fire District No. 1 reported it received the call at 2:29 p.m. to respond to the fire on West Elm Avenue behind Oxbow Trail. This was the same area that was on fire the previous afternoon.
Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District, Boardman Fire Rescue District, the fire departments of Echo, Boardman and Irrigon were among initial agencies to provide assistance, along with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, Oregon State Police and the Oregon National Guard.
By 6 p.m., Pendleton Fire and Ambulance Service, Heppner Fire Department, Pilot Rock Fire Protection District and the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department also received calls for assistance.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal soon after 7 p.m. mobilized a helicopter to help with the brush fire.
“There are numerous transient camps in the area and they have all been advised to evacuate by law enforcement,” according to Umatilla County Fire. “Several dogs have also been rescued from the area. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
The size of the fire was 20 acres, according to Fire District No. 1, and injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The district also urged people to stay out of the area and anyone using the walking path should keep an eye out for vehicle traffic.
