**PRESS RELEASE**

High winds, heat and low humidity produce fast moving natural cover fire that involved structures and mobile property.

At Approx. 1:52 pm on Wednesday afternoon, June 24th Umatilla County fire District # 1 was dispatched to a large grass fire on the east side of the District. Incident Commander, Scott Goff arrived on scene to find several outbuildings at two locations also on fire. He immediately called for assistance from mutual-aid resources.

The weather was not in our favor with 93-degree temperatures, low humidity, and winds of 22 mph with gusts to 33 mph. Initial engines protected residences and began suppression of outbuildings and other property.

In the end two residences were saved and four outbuildings, two mobile type buildings, six vehicles, one UTV, corrals and other miscellaneous property were lost. Approx. seven acres of grass and brush burned. Forward progress of the fires was controlled about 90 minutes later.

Six departments provided mutual aid that included Echo Fire, Umatilla Rural Fire, Boardman Fire, Pendleton Fire, Pilot Rock Fire, and East Umatilla Fire and Rescue. UCFD1 also ran three medical calls during the time of the fire that further stretched the limited number of resources.

Total apparatus on the incident were six engines, five brush engines, five water tenders, one ladder truck, and four command vehicles. Approx. 50 firefighters fought the fires. The cause is still being investigated. UCFD1 wants to remind folks that burning season was closed on June 1st.