Gresham Fire contingent joins battle against Lone Rock Fire

A team of Gresham firefighters have been deployed to aid in the battle against a wildfire in north-central Oregon.

The Lone Rock Fire has grown to more than 77,000 acres and is only 10% contained as of Thursday, July 18. The fire was first sparked July 13, from unknown cause about 10 miles outside Condon. Communities across Gilliam, Wheeler and Morrow Counties have all been evacuated under Level 3 orders.

Gov. Tina Kotek enacted the Emergency Conflagration Act Monday, July 15, which activated firefighting resources from across the state to aid in suppression efforts. That included the team and apparatus from Gresham Fire as part of the Multnomah County Task Force, one of seven assigned to the wildfire. In total 607 fire personnel are battling the blaze.

Officials are bracing for erratic fire behavior, with suppression hindered in the hot/dry conditions. Gusty winds, and several thunderstorms passing within miles of the fire, have also hampered efforts.

Firefighters are monitoring, patrolling and securing the north/northwest area of the wildfire. Six structural task forces were bolstered by a complement of 20 engines. Much of their work has been in the community of Lonerock and along the 25 Road on the southern front of the fire.

What has made suppression difficult is the hot and dry conditions. The winds have been gusty and erratic, and several thunderstorms have passed within miles of the fire.