Weigh Station Fire at 500 Acres, 25 Percent Contained

Firefighters made great progress Sunday trying to contain the Weigh Station Fire near Meacham in Eastern Oregon. The blaze is now 25 percent contained.

Ground crews got support from helicopters delivering bucket drops to cool hotspots along the lines and support the burning operations. The ground crews were burning unburnt islands of fuel.

The fire is estimated at 500 acres.

The fire is burning on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. Working on the fire today are three Type 1 handcrews, three Type 2 handcrews, the Umatilla National Forest Veteran’s Crew, six Oregon Department of Corrections crews, two dozers, 13 engines, four water tenders, one air attack and two helicopters, along with miscellaneous overhead. Approximately 282 personnel are battling the blaze.

After nearly 24 hours of closure, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has opened the freeway to all traffic. Travelers are advised that firefighting activity continues directly adjacent to the freeway and to use caution when traveling in the fire area. Check www.tripcheck.com for up to date information regarding travel conditions in Oregon.

Ongoing efforts to protect cultural resources in the area have been coordinated with Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

Photos courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry.