Photo by RYAN HUSSEY

The Neals Hill fire, located near Folly Farm and Highway 78.

Wildfire season is officially under way in Harney County. An afternoon thunderstorm on Wednesday, Aug. 5, brought several new starts to the area.

The Mud Creek fire, located just off the north Steens Loop Road about eight miles past Page Springs Campground, received significant air tanker support in the first burning period to hold the south flank as first priority. The fire remained active to the north, but cooled after dark and continued improving with cooler temperatures overnight. Great helicopter and bucket work to stop fire spread and help with interior hot spots was crucial, especially with access limited to hiking or flying in. Mop up operations are in progress. The Mud Creek fire is 252 acres and 95 percent contained.

The Neals Hill fire, located near Folly Farm and Highway 78, took off in a hurry, burning quickly in grass and juniper. Firefighters worked until 2 a.m., and dozers drove all through the first night cutting a break between the fire and unburned fuel. Despite daily late-afternoon and evening winds, containment lines held strong. Fire containment is 90 percent, and mop up continues. The 3,393-acre Neals Hill fire has an InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6922/ with more details, photos, and maps.

The Percy West fire started Aug. 6 (a holdover from the Aug. 5 storm) in the Pine Creek / Sagebrush Flat area north of Buchanan. Winds and abundant grass as well as brush and juniper on private and public lands gave way to quick fire spread at the onset. Four heavy air tankers and four Single Engine Air Tankers were quick to the scene with retardant. Air resources worked until sunset that evening while dozers and ground crews labored well into the night to establish and secure the fire perimeter. The Percy West fire was fully contained on Aug. 9 at 142 acres.

Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team (IMT) 9, Brian Goff, Incident Commander, assumed management of the Neals Hill and Mud Creek fires on Friday, Aug. 7. IMT Goff managed the logistical, fiscal, planning, operational, safety, and public information needs related to the fires until their departure today.

The Incident Command Post was set up at the Harney County Fairgrounds, and the IMT served spike camps for firefighters at Neals Hill gravel pit and Frenchglen. Multiple COVID-19 precautions were established and practiced, including making virtual processes that were previously face-to-face, such as briefings and meetings, checking in upon arrival, food distribution, and symptom self-checks. Physical distancing and masks were also required in camp. Local resources were procured as available, including camp crew members, food, and various supplies.

Hot and dry weather is expected for at least the next 10 days. Fire danger is VERY HIGH, and public use restrictions are in effect — among other things, no campfires anywhere, anytime; no driving or parking off road; and no personal chainsaw use.  The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is three. Visitors should use caution when traveling through and recreating in the outdoors this time of year.

For more information on current wildfire activity, call 541-573-4519, or follow the Burns Interagency Fire Zone on Facebook. To report a wildfire, call 541-573-1000.