PHOTO COURTESY OF ODOT
Eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate 84 are now open in Eastern Oregon between Pendleton (Exit 216) and Ontario (Exit 371).
The Lime Hill Fire closed a stretch of I-84 in Eastern Oregon for hours late Wednesday as it grew substantially, BLM officials said. The fire was just a few miles west of Huntington after racing across more than 7,000 acres since being reported earlier in the day.
The lanes were re-opened Wednesday evening, but travelers are reminded to drive with extra caution, don’t speed and watch for crews near fire scene.
“Road closures are frustrating, but let’s all get home safe,” said Tom Standberg of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
OR 245 south of Baker City, and OR 203 and 237 between La Grande and North Power are also now open for travel. OR 204 (Tollgate Highway) is open to local traffic, but due to the Phillips Creek Fire burning north of Elgin, through traffic motorists are advised to use alternate routes. Verify route status at TripCheck.com or call 800-977-6368vbefore heading out. Conditions may change at any time.
The city of Huntington, northwest of Ontario , which has about 450 residents, issued a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice and I-84 was closed between Ontario and Pendleton. Additionally, the Durbin Creek Road between Huntington and Mormon Basin Road were closed for a time.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
