Here is the most recent press release from the Oregon State Fire Marshal concerning the Blackburn Fire.
The fire remains more than twelve miles south of the City of Mosier, well away from populated areas of the Mosier Creek, Rock Creek, and Dry Creek drianages.
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News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: August 24th, 2013 9:35 AM
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structural protection resources are transitioning off the incident and returning home today. Their efforts have helped support the local Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue in defending homes and property on this incident. There have been 142 personnel from 46 fire districts and departments representing twelve Oregon counties on the Government Flats Complex.
Firefighter and public safety is the number one concern and continues to be emphasized. As fire activity is decreasing, risks still remain from fire damaged trees, rolling rocks and logs on steep slopes, rattlesnakes, poison oak, and heavy fire traffic. Incident supervisors are monitoring fire crew fatigue and are encouraging all to remain rested, alert, and assertive in promoting safe working conditions.
Recreationists (including bow hunters and bicyclists) are reminded that the Mt. Hood National Forest has implemented an area closure in proximity to the Blackburn Fire. Listings of the road, trail, campground, and general area closures may be found at the Forest web site: Mt Hood National Forest (http://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood) and at http://inciweb.org/incident/maps/3662/
Government Flat Complex at a glance:
Total Complex Acreage: 12,070
Blackburn Fire Acreage: 11,775
Complex Containment: 25 Percent
Total Personnel Assigned: 1,023
Structures Lost to the Fire: 4 homes/9 outbuildings
Structure currently threatened: 83 residential/82 outbuildings
Cost of the Incident to Date: $ 7.7 million
Resources: 37 crews/32 engines/3 structural task forces/14 dozers/15 water tenders/10 helicopters
Ownerships involved: Private, U.S. Forest Service, City of The Dalles, and Bureau of Land Management
Cooperators include Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal, BLM, USDA Forest Service, City of The Dalles, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Wasco County Emergency Operations Center, Hood River County Division of Emergency Management, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, American Red Cross, Oregon National Guard, and Oregon State Police.
Contact Info:
Information: 541-298-9899, 541-298-8741
Email: govflatfire@gmail.com