Helicopters released from Fir Mountain Fire - update Aug. 10, 2020
This 1979 Turbo Shaft Sikorsky helicopter with bucket sat at The Dalles Municipal Airport in Dallesport during the thick of firefighting at the Fir Mountain Fire last week. Helicopters are being released from the fire today.
Press release from the Oregon Forestry Department:
THE DALLES, Ore. - Sunday evening the Central Oregon Fire Management Service transferred command of the Fir Mountain Fire back to Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) The Dalles Unit. Approximately 130 firefighters continue to staff the Fir Mountain Fire as a Type 4 organization. Operations continue to focus on mop-up of the interior of the fire and locating any hot spots near the perimeter. Resources include local contract hand crews and engines from ODF’s Northwest Oregon Area. Full containment of the fire is expected Wednesday.
Helicopters assigned to the fire will be released mid-day today to return to home areas or staff other fires. Local aircraft is available if air support is needed on the fire. Engines assigned to the fire are available to respond to new fires if the need arises.
The Fir Mountain Fire is 313 acres and was first reported late on August 1, 2020. The fire is human caused and under investigation. Anyone with information which may help investigators find the person responsible for the fire is asked to call the Oregon State Police Tip Line, 1-800-452-7888.
The Wasco County Sheriff has removed all evacuations from the east side of the fire and reopened Godberson Road to public travel. Details are available on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff. Fir Mountain Road and associated side roads in Hood River County have also been reopened to public travel. For public and firefighter safety the speed limit for the road has been reduced. The road is a single lane road in many places, the public is reminded to use caution in the area and watch for activity associated with firefighting operations.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
